It seems rather perceptive on their part to link His effectiveness to prayer and relationship with His Father, and then shape their question from that observation. Or perhaps, perception had nothing to do with it at all. It is quite possible that the effectiveness of the love He displayed was so clearly related to His relationship with His Father that there was no other question to be asked. Whatever the motivation, it seems that they wanted to share in the more intimate aspects of His life, rather than what was for public consumption.

Jesus’ response is beautiful. In my mind’s eye, I see Jesus extending His arms in a loving gesture of inclusion, and saying, “Our Father.” Incredibly, this is not an invitation to share in His relationship with the Father. It is a statement of the relationship that already exists. It is a relationship that is for them to enjoy. The same pure love and oneness shared by the members of the Trinity is the same love and oneness we share as His disciples.

The picture (above) is of the Trinity that dates back to the early 1400’s painted by the Russian artist and monk, Andrei Rublev. It pictures all three members of the Trinity seated at a table and the details of the painting present both the distinctiveness of each member as well as oneness and community that is shared. It is a powerful painting and when viewed from my mind’s eye, I am seated at the table with them. As remarkable as that seems to me, it is my birthright as a believer in Christ that allows me this relationship and to pray, as Jesus prays, “Our Father.”

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.”

Jesus walked this earth and faced the struggles and temptations we face and instructed us not to worry (Matt. 6:33-34). At the same time, He told us of God’s care for us, the priority of seeking His righteousness and cautioned us of the inherent dangers of borrowing tomorrow’s worry. Now when I shake all of that down to practical instruction, I hear Jesus calling me to be present before Him each moment as I move through life. Immediately, I am aware that too often His presence before me is eclipsed by the distractions of fear and worry.

The truth of the matter is I can only experience the love and grace of God is in the present. When I recall loving experiences with God in the past it prompts my gratefulness. These memories are free of the agitation coupled with fear and anxiety, as they are no longer a threat. Consequently, my awareness of God’s presence through that experience is raised significantly, and I am prompted to be thankful. In the same way, as I look to the future, knowing God will never leave me or forsake me, I am filled with hope and free of the distracting influence of anxiety and fear.

So that leaves the present filled with enough anxious distractions to place God in the shadows, only seen clearly through the perspective of hindsight or foresight. Now this my sound ridiculous, but in an attempt to be more connected to the present and aware of God’s presence with us in the moment I offer this experiment. You will need a grape, a Bible, a quiet place and thirty minutes. As you are seated in a comfortable quiet place take the time to experience eating a grape with all five senses. As you pick it up, take a moment to see how it feels. Is it soft or hard, smooth or mushy? Hold it to your ear and rub it gently with your fingers. What sound does it make? Is it louder than you thought or softer? Take a close look at it. Hold it up to the light, how does its appearance change? What does it smell like? As you investigate its smell what does your mouth begin to salivate? As you bring the grape to your mouth, how does it feel on your lips? What do you taste before the first bite? How has the first bite changed that? How has it changed as you chew it? Once swallowed, is there an aftertaste? If at anytime you find yourself distracted gently return your attention to the grape. Take your time in this process.

Now that you have tuned all five senses into the moment and attention of the grape transfer that attention to a favorite story from one of the Gospels. Read it carefully and repeatedly. Enter into the story using the information the Scripture gives us. Respectfully consider the story from the perspective of each of your senses. In a non-judging and accepting way, consider what are you feeling as you relate to this story? Emotions are only the feelings we identify. Once they have been identified, how does God relate to those feelings? Allow God to speak to you and prayerfully respond with an open heart. If you find yourself being distracted simply return to the story and re-focus.
You don’t always need a grape for your devotions but the need to be intentional to enter into the present is necessary. God is continually present before you with the wisdom, grace and hope you need for all of life’s anxiety producing challenges. The skill most of us need to refine is our ability to be fully present before Him.