Tree by a Stream or a Bush in the Desert?

Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17:5-8

As I studied Psalm 1 for my women’s Bible study this week, I discovered that Jeremiah 17:5-8 contains much of the same message.  Both Scriptures talk about the blessings for those who belong to God and the curse for those who do not acknowledge Him as Lord.

            You may be familiar with the description of the blessings in Psalm 1:  He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water which yields fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.  This blessing is for those who “delight in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night.”  Psalm 1 compares those who do not belong to the Lord as chaff which the wind drives away.

            Jeremiah 17:5-8 describes the blessings in the same way as Psalm 1, but he adds: “and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” 

Jeremiah says about the curse: Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.  For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant.

            What a remarkable contrast between the blessings and the curse! How do we stay “firmly planted by streams of water?” John 15:4-5 tells us to “abide in Him” just as a branch must stay connected to the vine in order to bear fruit. Here are several ways we can “abide in Him”:

We need to be reading God’s Word regularly to get to know Him and how He wants us to live.

Trust the Lord in all things and live according to His will.

We follow His will by “planting our roots” in the living water (the Holy Spirit living in us) and depending on Him for the wisdom and ability to do what He calls us to do.

What is the “fruit” that will be evident in our lives if we are walking with the Lord?  Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Psalm 1 tells us that the leaves of those who follow the Lord will not wither.  What would cause our leaves to wither?  Here are a few ideas:

Straying from the Lord through unbelief or disobedience.

Not making time with Him a priority.  Being too busy with other activities.

Not seeking His will above all else.

Not depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction.

Trusting in ourselves or anything else instead of trusting God for everything in our lives.

The Lord gives us a clear choice in the way we live.  We can enjoy the blessings of living for Him, trusting Him to provide all we need to do His will and bear spiritual fruit that will last forever, or we can reject Him and live for ourselves.  The blessings and the consequences are eternal.  My desire is to live for Him.  I pray that for you too.  I want to say with the Psalmist, “I delight to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Would you describe your life at this time as a tree planted by streams of water that bears fruit, or like a bush in the desert living in a stony wasteland?

Are there choices that you are willing to make after reading this message?

If we have strayed from God’s will for our lives, He is always ready to forgive and draw us back to Himself.  We only need to confess, ask His forgiveness, and trust Him to guide us in His plan for our life. His grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning.