Psalm 1:3 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.

Just about everyone on earth would like this verse to be true of them, but they don’t want to live as the first two verses describe. As is clear from reading Job, there are special circumstances in which truly righteous people go through terrible trials, but the general rule is exactly as described in this Psalm: the person who is focused on living in tune with God will do well. It’s important to note the specific imagery here. “Planted by streams of water” doesn’t mean that there won’t be times of drought, it means that even in drought, such a tree (person) has what they need, because their roots go deep. It’s also helpful to note that such a tree is fruitful, that is, it’s of benefit to others. Some people would like to be like Japanese cherry trees: decorative, perhaps, but not nourishing. A person who is walking with God is going to meet the needs of others. That said, we need to remember that it’s “in season.” There isn’t constant pressure to have fruit ready to eat, but the process is always going on. It’s the last line that makes people most envious: “Whatever he does prospers.” However, such a person is only going to be doing things that are in line with God’s plan for him, and thus pleasing to God. So often we ask God to rubber stamp whatever we dream up and then get bummed out when things don’t go well, and we accuse God of violating His promises. If you’re really meditating on the Bible day and night, then your plans will line up with His, and He’ll see to it that they succeed.

I’ve certainly tested this principle from both sides, and I can say without hesitation that this Psalm is true. I am as human as anyone, and I have allowed myself to be distracted from pure obedience to God more times than I could count. However, I feel this verse has been largely descriptive of me. I’ve not had major financial success, certainly, but God has supplied my needs and more. I’ve maybe not produced a bumper crop, but I have born fruit in various ways. I’ve had my frustrations, but God has given what seems to me in retrospect to be a remarkable degree of success in what I’ve put my hand to. The danger to me now is in taking any or all of this for granted. I need to be walking in gratitude, never thinking that it’s because of my own ability or goodness that any of these good things have come, but seeking God in every detail, indeed meditating on His Word day and night. If I turn away from God at this point, I throw it all out the window, as the Lord said so clearly to Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 18:24)

Father, thank You for Your overflowing grace to me. Thank You for the example I had in my parents, and for protecting me so many times when I was in grave danger of completely jumping the track. People look at me now and have no idea of how easily I could have lived such a totally different life. Help me be effective in drawing others into devotion to You, so that they too may live a “Psalm 1 life,” in this life and throughout eternity. Thank You. Praise God!