Psalm 1:3 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.
Many years ago, I took a group of church people on a coach tour of Scotland. It was a wonderful experience, and I personally delighted in showing everyone the wonders and beauty of the auld country.
In the middle of the tour, we visited a small town, right in the heart of Scotland, called Dunkeld. The scenery was breathtaking and all the tourists with me loved the buildings, bridges, and beautiful gardens in and around the town. We stayed there for two days, but just before we left Dunkeld, I took the group to a secret spot behind the Birnham hotel, where we were staying.
We walked for about 500 yards and came to the riverside. There, next to the water banks, stood four ancient oak trees, about 900 years old. They were massive and the girth of one of the trunks took half of our party to circle. It was amazing to experience one of Scotland's hidden treasures.
For nine hundred years, those trees had been planted by the water. They were mentioned in Shakespeare's Scottish play "MacBeth" in the lines "when Birnham wood comes to Dunisane hill." They had survived the most turbulent years of Scottish history, and they still thrive, bearing acorns every year.
Today's Bible verse tells us about the prosperity and strength of those who rely upon the Lord. It's a lesson for each of us to experience, for no matter what we go through - pain, sorrow, or trouble - if we remain true to the Lord, He will enable us to endure, overcome, and prosper. God grants us this hope for being faithful to His Son. We are truly blessed, not because of what we do or accomplish, but because of all that God has done for us through Jesus.
Point to ponder: How has remaining faithful Jesus helped me through difficult times in my life?
Prayer: Lord God, Your strength carries us through
life and Your will sustains us each day. Enable us to keep focused on Your
ways, so that we may spiritually thrive and faithfully prosper in Your Kingdom
on Earth. Refresh our souls with the Living Water of Jesus Christ and
strengthen our spirits with the riches of His grace. In Jesus' Name, we gladly
pray. Amen.
John Stuart is a retired Scottish pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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