Planted and Growing in God

I enjoy sitting on the riverbank in my hometown. Overlooking the water brings a sense of calm into my busy schedule and I gain a deeper appreciation for God’s creation. Whether fishing for bass, running a 5K race, walking with a loved one, or simply relaxing, the river’s flow brings me peace. 

One beautiful summer day, I sat on a bench beside the river and noticed a few trees. Their leaves were luscious green, their bark was dark and strong, and their limbs were sturdy, reaching toward the beautiful blue sky. The birds enjoyed these trees as they flew on and off the branches with their food. The squirrels hastily chased one another up and down the trees. Children found shade under the trees while walking with their families. 

Psalm 1 discusses the blessings of godliness. To my fascination, being like trees planted by the riverbank is one of those blessings. Psalm 1:3 (NLT) states, They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

The psalmist compares the godly not only to a tree, but to a tree planted by the riverbank. The position of this planting has advantages. The tree has consistent access to steadily flowing water even when rain is scarce, which leads to growth. It also has a nutrient-rich diet of dissolved minerals and nutrients from upstream sources which the tree’s roots can absorb. This provides essential nourishment for healthy development and reproduction. A tree’s root system helps to hold the soil in place, providing stability and preventing the tree from being toppled by strong winds or heavy rain. 

These are the blessings of those who do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. (Psalm 1:1) Like the tree by the river, we bring forth fruit in our season, our leaves do not wither, and whatever we do prospers. It does not mean that storms do not come into our lives. It does mean that we have a constant source from the river of living waters (see John 7:38) if we are “planted” in Jesus. 

Let us pray. 

Prayer: God, I want Your blessings in my life. I desire to be planted in You and to grow in my walk with You. Help me to live a godly life so that I can walk in those blessings. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.