Walks and Trees

Psalm 1

Walks have been part of my life since I started kindergarten. Sidewalks line every street in our little town, and I love walking in the rain and sunshine. Yes, even in the falling snow!

The first verse in Psalm 1 says, “How blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit with those who are bitter.” 

How do I spend my time – whether I’m walking, standing, or sitting? Who am I talking with or listening to? Are the people around me wise and godly? Do they encourage me to seek God’s direction and guidance? 

A good walk outside in the fresh air helps clear our minds. We can set our thoughts on the Lord, pray for others, meditate on a Scripture passage, or sing a worship song to the Lord. 

Verse 2 calls us to, “delight in the law of the Lord, and meditate on His law day and night.” 

The word “delight” conjures up thoughts of joy and anticipation, wonder and hope. Do our hearts anticipate and long for time in God’s Word each day? His Truth can saturate our thoughts as we meditate and ponder His Word throughout the day. 

Have you experienced the comfort of God’s Word when you wake up in the middle of the night? Verses flood your mind and provide comfort, hope, and encouragement to your soul. His Word is a good gift and a blessing from the Lord. 

Head to Heart

Lord, I want to anticipate and embrace time spent reading Your Word each day. Then, to deliberately choose to meditate on the verses I’ve read. I do believe great joy will flood my heart, soul, and mind when I choose to delight in Your Truth. 

In middle school art class, we learned to draw trees with black ink pens. It was the beginning of my love for trees, and I still notice and admire the beauty and strength of trees. 

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.

–Psalm 1:3

The reference is to a tree – firmly planted, nourished by the soil, and watered by the flowing streams. There is beauty in the tender green leaves and blossoms in springtime. Summer reveals full-grown leaves and the growth of new fruit, while fall declares the beauty of change and the bounty of harvest. In winter, the artistry of freshly fallen snow on a grove of trees captures the beholder’s eye! 

The logo of Discover God’s Truth Ministries incorporates the olive tree. It has some meaningful applications for our walk with God. The olive tree grows and matures slowly. The fruit – olive – is not harvested until the tree reaches 10 years of age. These trees reach peak production after the age of 50 years and the gnarled trunk is a reminder of life’s trials and difficulties.

Chuck Swindoll shares this wise counsel – “Let me encourage you to maintain a pure, uncompromising walk; delight yourself in His Word, and you will grow into a stable, reliable spiritual tree. There is no shortcut to spiritual growth.” 

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