Down By The Stream

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1: 3(ESV)

I love being near the water; be it an ocean, lake, river or stream.  Its peaceful and refreshing.  Being outdoors, deep in nature, is itself refreshing.  It re-energizes me physically and spiritually as I am reminded of the greatness of God.  His character is revealed in so many ways by His creation.

I was reminded Sunday, in a small-group discussion, of the faith lessons illustrated by the trees that grow along the stream banks.  Our adult group (Abundant Life Sunday School Class) was studying Psalm 1.  The focus of the discussion was how we live out our faith in a fallen world.  Our conversation began with verses 1 & 2:

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night. 

Psalm 1: 1-2 (ESV)

Then we came to verse 3 (quoted above).  The question was "How does the example of the tree relate to the righteous person?"  Here are some quick thoughts of mine:

• Trees that grow along a stream bank are often leaning as their roots stretch out to tap into the stream flowing by.  The righteous person stretches himself to tap into the "living water" of Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit. (John 4:13-14, John 7:37-39)
• The stream is a continual source of water and the result is a strong, healthy tree.
• The water from the stream is cool & refreshing.  Our faith is refreshed by the living water.
• The stream flows, it is not stagnant.  It is teeming with life.
• The tree bears fruit, provides shade, and adds beauty to the landscape.
• The strength of the tree on the shallow ground of the stream bank is a testament to the life and strength the stream water provides.

To encapsulate (a word my wife likes to use), our righteousness is the result of our roots being stretched into the cool, refreshing, life-renewing water that flows from Christ through the Holy Spirit.  As a result we testify to the power of God, provide a place of shade for the weary, add beauty to the landscape around us and continually produce fruit for the benefit to others.

Its a encouraging picture of what the life of a Christ-follower is to look like.

Where are your roots stretching today?

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Add your thoughts to the discussion: What characteristics of the "tree planted by streams of water" would you add to the list?