A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
The Book of Psalms has been a source of great encouragement to millions over thousands of years and remains just as precious for us today. Most people are familiar with Psalm 23, but over the next few weeks I want to share some of the other gems within this Book. A good place to start is at the beginning of Psalm 1: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither –whatever they do prospers”.
Blessed can be described as ultimate happiness and the world view is that it is obtained by position, power, praise and possessions, but that is a lie – at best such happiness is temporary. The Biblical view on the other hand is that happiness is obtained when we delight in meditating on God’s Word or the Bible and then putting it into practice. This Psalm promises that we will also bear fruit – what sort of fruit? The fruit is that which is produced by the Holy Spirit if we abide in Christ – such as love, joy and peace to name a few. Fruitful trees also contain seeds which in time will become trees and if they are planted near water, they will also be fruitful. Our verse reminds us that these trees are evergreen so they always provide shade and protection for immature trees. Seniors, be assured that the young in faith need to rest under your leaves of experience, guidance and example. Then there is the promise that those who meditate on God’s Word will prosper. Unfortunately, some preachers have built a following by distorting the meaning of prosper by promising material prosperity, but the word prosper in the Bible means “to help on the road” or “succeed in reaching your destination”.
In this life we will have trouble, but this Psalm promises God will enable us to overcome the obstacles of life whether they be emotional, physical or spiritual because God prospers us. The end of the Psalm then confirms the blessing which is ours if we are a child of God and prospering: “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous”. Friend, if life seems to be too much to bear, take heart that the Lord is aware of your situation and has not abandoned you. Just surrender fully to Him and pray that you will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as He seeks to prosper you by helping you navigate the obstacles in life’s road. If you are soaked in and delight in God’s Word you will be encouraged as the Spirit brings verses to your remembrance. Also, if you are part of a Christian community the Lord will prompt the right person to come alongside you and help you succeed in reaching your spiritual destination.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood