Like a Tree

“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;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

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.
The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” Psalm 1:1-4

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
    whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
    that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
    for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
    for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

Blessedness is a God-given limitless possibility, a favor presented and promised to all who take seriously its invitation. Walk this way! Delight in, meditate on, trust in the Lord and His word! The image of a lush tree, spreading robust roots in rich soil by a clear, life-giving stream, redolent with green beauty and bounty awakens the senses and spirit, beckons us come. Be like a tree! Establish yourself! Reach your arms wide! Flourish!

Blessedness for us depends on where we walk, stand, and sit- with body, mind, and heart. The individual is blessed who takes joy in the law of the Lord and walks in His counsels. Like a tree, his choices bring organic flourishing of latent potential and fruitful prosperity.

The aim and determination of the individual is to refuse the world and delight and trust in the Lord. The result is life roots deep in wisdom, security, and unshakable faith, drawn through the Lord’s love and grace. Blessedness comes as a byproduct of a Godward position, of abiding, of drawing nourishment and bearing fruit. It then expands to wide-stretched influence, widening relationships, effective witness, meaningful living among and for others that feeds, refreshes, energizes, and encourages.

Have we set our will? Where have we established our allegiance? What counsel, what errant paths, what scoffers need we reject in order to delight in the Lord and His word? And how are we drawing on His supply? Would we choose to set aside consternation, fear, and anxiety for the riches of Christ’s wisdom and ways? His free-flowing blessedness awaits!

“Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, 
weak and wounded, sick and sore; 
Jesus ready stands to save you, 
full of pity, love, and pow’r. 

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
true belief and true repentance,
every grace that brings you nigh.

Let not conscience make you linger, 
nor of fitness fondly dream; 
all the fitness He requireth 
is to feel your need of Him. 

Come, ye weary, heavy laden, 
lost and ruined by the fall; 
if you tarry till you’re better, 
you will never come at all. 

Lo! th’incarnate God, ascended, 
pleads the merit of His blood; 
venture on Him, venture wholly; 
let no other trust intrude.

I will arise and go to Jesus, 
He will embrace me in His arms; 
in the arms of my dear Savior 
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.” ~Joseph Hart (1759)

Lord, establish me as a fruitful, fragrant tree for Your delight.