Read: Psalm 1
They are like trees planted by streams of water. (v. 3 NRSV)
I was watering my new trees earlier today. A couple weeks ago I planted two new juniper trees in the backyard and without any recent rain I was trying to make sure they got their needed nourishment. I had learned from prior experience. A few years ago, I planted five arbor vitae bushes shortly before I had to be away from home for a couple weeks. Without any rain they almost died. Parched roots and brown leaves greeted me when I returned.
In this important psalm—the introductory psalm to the entire psalter—we find an illuminating metaphor. Two paths are described—the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. One path leads to life and the other to death. Those who delight in the way of the Lord, who meditate unceasingly on the Law or Word of God, are on the path of life. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in due season and whose leaves do not wither. Like well-watered trees, these people prosper in all they do.
The metaphor is quite clear. We must meditate on God’s teaching about shalom (peace and righteousness). We should delight in God’s instruction for living well. This teaching is found, of course, preeminently in the Bible. Such study for us is like water to a tree—absolutely necessary for our survival.
As you pray, ask God for help you follow the way of the righteous.
Steve Bouma-Prediger is the Leonard and Marjorie Mass Professor of Reformed Theology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. A graduate of Hope College, his Ph.D. is in religious studies from The University of Chicago. His most recent book is Earthkeeping and Character: Exploring a Christian Ecological Virtue Ethic.
When not teaching or writing, he spends as much time as possible canoeing or backpacking in his favorite places in North America or simply hiking among the magnificent trees in southwest Michigan parks.
