Day 2: A Tree Planted by Streams of Water
Word
Psalm 1.1-3 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
Devotional:
Everyone is going to start their day meditating on something. It might be our anxieties, our problems or even our uncertainties. It might be the news, sports, or whatever video appears with the next social media swipe, but we are all going to meditate on something.
In Psalm 1, the Lord invites us to meditate on His Word, promising that as we do so, we become like fruitful, well-watered, and prosperous trees.
The Center for Bible Engagement studied the effects of intentionally prioritizing meditation on God’s Word. Their study, 'Understanding the Bible Engagement Challenge: Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4,' found that individuals who meditated on Scripture more than four times per week experienced a 30% reduction in feelings of loneliness, a 32% decrease in anger issues, a 57% drop in alcoholism, a 40% decline in relational issues (especially in marriage), a 62% reduction in pornography and other sexual sins, and a 60% decrease in feelings of spiritual stagnation.
Scriptures For Today:
As you read today's Scriptures, read slowly and attentively, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you meditate on His Word.
Psalm 1.1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Worship:
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your Word and the promise that as I meditate on and delight in it, I become rooted, well-watered, fruitful, and prosperous. Help me to build this habit!
Listen & Obey:
Spend two minutes in silent, listening prayer. Write down what you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Here are some prompts to help:
Lord, what do you want to speak to me from these passages of Scripture as I start my day?
How do you want me to apply this truth today?
Who do I need to share this with today?