Rustling leaves and gentle sounds of cascading water in West Clear Creek served as the backdrop for our afternoon picnic. On this beautiful summer day in the Verde Valley, the sun poured forth with but a few white clouds contrasting against a deep blue sky. Even in the high desert region, trees filled with rich green abounded along the streams of water finding nourishment against the unforgiving desert climate. While embracing the beauty of God’s created order, the moment inspired a reflection on the words of the Psalmist.
Blessed or happy is the one whose delight is in knowing God, finding great comfort in a relationship with Him. The idea of “happy” is not one of circumstantial dependence; rather, it carries the idea of receiving favor from one in authority. In the first Psalm, David speaks to a person in relationship with the only true God whose life reflects receipt of this outpouring of blessing or happiness. Such intimacy is manifest in their great delight in the “Law of the Lord”. They deeply desire to know God so much so that there is a continual meditation on the things of God. Day and night, they contemplate the teachings, the truths, and the wisdom of God seeking a deeper sense of His presence and an understanding of those things that bring Him pleasure. Wisely navigating those worldly influences which would detract from the passionate pursuit of righteousness, they draw upon the constant stream of nourishment leading to the production of fruit pleasing to God.
When the harsh desert winds blow with relentless temperatures, the tree remains strong bearing fruit with leaves enduring. The power of God is proclaimed in righteous living in seasons of peace as well as during times of trial and testing. The stream of God’s truth is unchanging, enduring, and persistent – He is the springhead, unstoppable by any forces of darkness in this world. Such righteous fruit production brings glory and honor to Him who is at work to bring about His plans and purposes. When I consider all that God has done, the provision for my salvation – the call to draw near to the streams of water, the gift of faith – I am moved to embrace that divine love poured out on one so undeserving of such grace.
But sometimes our relationship with God seems better described as a tree far from the streams of water attempting to endure the desert heat. We are confused as spiritual dehydration begins to affect our understanding, our devotion toward God. Questions emerge which challenge our basic faith assumptions making us vulnerable to the counsel of the wicked, traversing the path of sinners, and sitting in deconstructive talk with scoffers. If so, whether wondering afar or having never drawn near, God calls for us to remember the gift of Christ, to come and drink deeply from the streams of water that never run dry. God’s immutable presence highlights the need to turn again to delight in His truth. The Holy Spirit encourages our spirit that because of God’s gift we are firmly planted near the stream, empowered to bear fruit, and blessed with the joy of prosperously bringing Him glory.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:2-3
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