Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinner or sit in the seat of mockers. But 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 1:1-3

Do you want to be a tree that is able to not only survive drought, but flourish in the midst of it? If so, this Psalm tells us how to do it. It is by sending down deep roots into God’s word, and allowing it to nourish us from hidden reservoirs, even when we find ourselves in a dry period of our lives. God’s word can do just that. It is able to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, train us in righteousness, and thereby equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). It is able to lead us down the right path, give us words to speak to others, and show us God’s will in a very tangible way. It is all there for us, and God has given us his Holy Spirit to interpret his word in our lives and help us understand all it says. God has done his part in providing the instruction and the power to carry it out. So what is our part?

I have heard that the way that bank officials are trained to recognize counterfeit money is by intensely studying the real thing. They know what legitimate money looks like so thoroughly that when an imitation shows up, they recognize it immediately. Oh that the same were true in our lives. We are so often subject to deception because we fail to familiarize ourselves with the truth. We do not spend time studying and reading God’s word, sending those roots deep into the ground for future feeding. We want it all handed to us in an easy to digest form that requires no real effort on our part. And then when hard times come, we have no deep roots, no strong foundation, and we find ourselves struggling, doubting, and discouraged.

The answer is simple. It is a matter of us disciplining ourselves in God’s word on a regular basis. If we choose not to listen to the counsel of the wicked or spend time being influenced by sinners and mockers, but instead delight in God’s word, we will find ourselves learning truth. We will find ourselves able to recognize the counterfeit. We will be sending down deep roots that will feed us well both in time of plenty and time of need. That is our responsibility. And too often we take it lightly and dismiss it as the first item to drop in our ever busy days. I say this because it has been the truth at times in my life. And I have felt the consequences of the drought when it comes. But by God’s grace and power, I endeavor to make this time in God’s word a daily discipline that will fuel my life. I know that in committing myself to this it will exact a cost, but the benefit will be so much more than that. In fact, I would be foolish not to do so.

It would be like not packing for a vacation and arriving unprepared for all meals and events that had been planned. You may be able to “show up” at some of them, but you will not be able to fully enjoy or participate. And sometimes you may not have what you need to thrive. How foolish would that be? You knew that the vacation was coming. Why were you so unprepared? You missed out on all the things that were planned for your well-being and enjoyment. It is the same way with our spiritual lives. We know that hard times are just as much a part of life as good times. We need to choose now (in the packing stage) to do the things that will have us prepared for the events ahead (life…).

God’s word is true and good. He has given it to us to benefit us in every stage of life. We all know we need it to be able to discern the right path in the road ahead of us. What will we do in response? How will we take advantage of this knowledge? Will we be prepared in the dry times? Will we yield our fruit in season? Will we prosper in whatever we do? The suitcase is on the bed. What will you put in yours?

prayer

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I so often do not spend the time I need to in your word. I thank you that you are ever-willing to forgive me when I fall short, and you are more than able to give me the power to make this a part of my every day life. I commit myself anew to being in your word, and I ask that you will teach me all that I need to know in order to produce good fruit in this season and the seasons to come. Give me a love for your word, and a heart that is devoted to studying it. I love you, Amen.