Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

It is often said that the book of Psalms is a book that has a poem, song, or prayer for every emotion, from joy to sorrow, from praise to lament.  It helps us focus on our relationship with God and how He sustains us and walks us through every season.  Join me today as we begin to look at each chapter.

Psalm 1:3 says, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever he does prospers”.
Imagine with me what it might be like to sit next to a stream.  We hear the flowing water. We see the sunlight dancing through the leaves, and we notice the deep-rooted trees.  The trees growing along the stream stretch mightily as they are connected to this life-giving water.  When we, as Christians, stay connected to the Word, we draw both wisdom and strength from our endless source of Living Water.  

In Psalm 1, the author speaks of being planted by a stream.  The provision of being planted by a stream causes fruitfulness and gives good life. It compares the lives of the righteousness who choose to live in constant communion with the Father to those who dare to disconnect from the stream of Living Water.  Those who step away from that connection are blown about like the chaffs of wheat, easily led astray due to choosing a life of unrighteousness. Those who step away from the stream wither and die.  But those who stay connected to the Father prosper in all the ways.

What are some ways we can stay connected to the stream of Living Water?  We must give God first place in our lives.  We must choose this relationship every single day. Making God a priority over all other things ensures that His Living Water flows through us, thereby providing growth, stability, and fruitfulness. 

Have you ever noticed a person who is walking through a difficult season but with a posture of peace and joy? This might be confusing to some, but if you take a closer look into the lives of those people, you will see a genuine connectedness to right living in relationship with our Heavenly Father.   This connection with Him ensures a peace that passes all understanding. My friends, don’t let the busyness of life distance you from the soul-quenching power of all of the goodness God has for you.  Plant your feet along the stream and lean into the goodness of God. 

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word. 
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage? 
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?  
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?  
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.  
• Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the many blessings You pour into our lives. Help us wake each day with You being the first thought and strengthen our desire to stay connected to You. Lord, we thank You for the many blessings You give us, even in difficult times. Help us to continue to walk and fellowship with You even when times are hard, dear Lord. For the strength we gain in connection with You, others might see Your goodness and grace. Thank You for all of our many blessings. Amen.