“But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
Psalm 1:2-3 NLT
A very good morning today to all you trees. Well, that was the analogy the psalmist used, to compare those who spend their time in God’s Word and in following Him and His ways, and the trees we find next to rivers, trees vigorous in their growth and in their fruit bearing. In our wetter Western climes, the spectre of fruit bearing trees next to rivers is not so unusual, but in hot and dusty lands the healthiness of trees adjacent to a water source is very visible.
The challenge to us pilgrims is about the choices we make. Are we satisfied in camping in desert places, where we don’t bear any fruit, where our leaves whither in dry periods, where our seasons are without the delights and joys the psalmist has experienced? Are we just going through the motions of following God, perhaps attending the occasional Sunday service, but not really enjoying the Christian life? Finding ourselves lacking the prosperity we should be enjoying in God’s kingdom?
The Apostle Paul gave us examples of the fruit that we should be producing as we plant our spiritual roots deep into the Holy-Spirit-watered ground that is God’s Word. Galatians 5:22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Jesus too gave us great advice. He said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).
Living next to the life source that is the river of God is a great place to be for us pilgrims. But there are many who live close to the same river but have rejected its life-giving power. Sad but true, and we pilgrims have the mission and opportunity to encourage them to drink deeply from the well of life, God Himself.
Dear Lord Jesus. You are the way to eternal life. Through the power of Your Spirit we have access to the Living Water that supplies all that we need to sustain us, day by day. We are so grateful. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 