Refreshment
Speaking of the man who is “blessed” the Psalmist David writes:
“…his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. 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 (Psalm 1:2-3).
This imagery of a nourished, vibrant, fruitful tree is powerful for those living in a dry Middle Eastern climate. It conveys a sense of hope that there is something more refreshing and satisfying than what I am currently experiencing. However, the true power of the imagery is its relevance to you and I. It is an illustration of a person who is blessed of the Lord, the person who is experiencing what is personally, spiritually and eternally refreshing and satisfying.
Through the illustration, David identifies the location of this rich blessing as the “streams of water.” The Hebrew word for “streams” means a channel or canal used to cultivate plants. In other words, it is a man-made irrigation system. Bringing this thought back to the context of Psalm 1, we see that we have a choice as to how we will allow ourselves to be influenced, either by ungodly influences (Psa.1:1) or the Law of the Lord (Psa. 1:2). The blessed man finds his delight in God’s Word and gives it a full time commitment; as he “meditates day and night.” He creates space in his schedule and places himself in situations and with people who also delight in the Word of God, or who act as channels of refreshment. He is intentional in seeking God. The beauty in this is that God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Therefore the consequence of this choice is fruitfulness, hope and spiritual growth (Psa. 1:3).
It is important to note that there is a choice involved. If your life is to be characterized by fruitfulness, hope and spiritual growth then it is vital that you are intentional in placing ourselves by “streams of living water.”
