Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
 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

By reading these daily devotions, you all are carrying out verse number 2. You are starting your day, ending your day, or maybe making the middle part of your day your Bible study/devotional time. I don’t know about you, but when I start my day out in prayer with the Lord and reading His word, everything just seems to flow better. Yes, stressors still pop up, deadlines still occur, I still might be running late, but there’s a different sense of peace that comes over me. Those days when I don’t start in His word and prayer on my lips – everything just seems to untangle and at the end of the day, I’m left feeling fried. Maybe it’s because I tried to carry it all on my own. It’s amazing how that happens some days and it’s not until much later on in the day that I realize – I didn’t start it correctly.

We all long for that time when we could be just like those trees along the riverbank. There’s a breeze blowing, fresh water flowing, and life is just plain good. We’re strong, healthy, and full of God’s amazing fruit. We too can be like those trees by making sure our hearts and minds are firmly planted in His word. I truly believe having a daily devotional time with the Lord helps to keep our “trees watered and bearing much fruit.” When your heart and soul are nourished in His word, everything else tends to fall into place much easier.

Prayer

Heavenly Father – help us to be like those trees planted along the riverbanks. Remind us daily of the importance of time spent with You in Your word and in prayer. Give us the discipline to focus on that vital daily activity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.