Psalm 1:2-3
AMP – But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]. MSG – Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
Firmly
I’ve been meditating on Psalm 1 for a while. These thoughts may be a bit random, but I’m walking my way through, or I should say “digging” my way through to really plant deep roots where God is directing. To be firmly planted, not only in the solid ground of the Word of God, but to be planted by streams of living water – that’s where I always want to be. Firmly defined:
Resistant to externally applied pressure;
Securely fixed in place; Constant; Steadfast;
Not subject to change; Fixed and Definite;
Unfluctuating; Steady, Strong and Sure
All of these are great descriptions, but one of my favorites is being “resistant to externally applied pressure.” Not to be a push over to anything the enemy or the world can throw at me. If I’m hit with a crisis out of the blue, or just experiencing the continued pressure of circumstances beyond my control, YET I can stand “steady, strong and sure” in the face of it, resisting the tendency to worry – or let’s be honest here – or to “freak out?” THAT to me is what it means to be Firmly Planted. I want to look straight in the face of God – eyes steadily trusting that HE KNOWS ALL.
Washing
“…And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit…” There’s a scripture that talks about the washing of the water of the Word. Eph 5:25-26 “…even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word…” Staying in the Word is SO CRUTIAL. Nothing grows without water, sun and soil. Water is not only a cleansing agent, but without it we dry up. Our blood can’t even flow without water. The living water of the Word is that cleansing, hydrating, creative force that makes things live, thrive and bloom. What’s that phrase? “Bloom where your planted!” I’m planting myself in the Word and I do see a few buds growing here and there…
Fortitude
I just had another thought…someone a few years ago told me I had “fortitude.” This surprised me as I’d never really thought of that word and couldn’t even tell you what it meant. Turns out it’s another great word describing this strong place. Fortitude defined:
Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.
Now that’s interesting – strength of mind. Isn’t that where most of the battle begins, in the mind? Hummmm…taking authority over the mind, casting down imaginations, binding my mind to the mind of Christ… I’ll receive that! Maybe I AM getting there…inch by inch.
Courage!
Simple "Song of Joy" 