Like a tree by the river
Today's focusThe psalm calls blessed the one who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly but delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on it day and night; such a person is like a fruitful tree planted by rivers of water, while the way of the ungodly perishes.
Read
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Reflection
This Psalm opens with a clear choice between two ways of living. You are invited into a life that is "blessed," beginning with what you choose to turn away from. By not walking in the "counsel of the ungodly" or joining those who are scornful, you create space for something better. Instead of being shaped by the shifting opinions of the world, your heart finds its "delight" in the law of the LORD. When you "meditate day and night" on His truth, you are not just reading words; you are being deeply nourished.
The result of this focus is a life of steady, quiet strength. You become "like a tree planted by the rivers of water." Even when the seasons change or the heat comes, a tree by the river remains green because its roots reach the source. Your "leaf also shall not wither," and you can bring forth fruit at the right time. While the ungodly are like "chaff" blown away by the wind, the LORD "knoweth the way" of those who follow Him, holding you steady in His care.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
What voices or 'counsel' shape your thinking most each day, and how could you make more room for God's word?
Pray
LORD, plant me by your streams of water. Give me delight in your word, morning and night. Keep me from the counsel of the ungodly, and make my life fruitful in its season.