Planted and Fruitful

     “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.” Psalm 1:3

     My grandfather had several small ponds on his farm. I recall one in particular that never went dry in all of the years he owned that property. That pond weathered several droughts without any difficulty. I remember more than once looking out over those dusty fields, my grandfather praying desperately for rain, and our eyes constantly being drawn to that small circle of bright green in the back left corner of his field. Often it was like an oasis in the desert. While everything else withered away, the plants and trees on the banks of that small pond flourished because their water source, their source of life, never went dry.

     A Christian can enjoy a life every bit as abundant and vigorous, yet they too must remain at the side of their life source. We face days when the heat of trial and difficulty hammers down upon us. We face days when we begin to wilt under strain and stress much like a plant under harsh conditions. I think of Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

     Paul never despaired because he was never forsaken. His feet, mind, and soul were planted firmly at the side of his Savior. Because of that he was able to receive exactly what he needed to survive, even thrive, under whatever condition he happened to be facing.

     Nothing is different for the faithful child of God today. Neither our source of life or daily guidance is to be found in the opinions of men. We are not forced to rely upon our own devices as we traverse a treacherous and often perilous spiritual landscape. Rather, the One who died for us is also blessing us (Ephesians 1:3). Those who cling to Him and find their delight in His Word (Psalm 1:2) find themselves planted on the banks of a stream overflowing with pure, refreshing spiritual water. They find that regardless of the situation, they possess the precise spiritual fruit they need to overcome. It’s all due to their faithfulness to He who is always faithful. So, where are you planted?