Read: Psalm 1
He is like a tree planted by streams of water. (v. 3)
My picture of flourishing is often small and materialistic—informed more by secular culture than the Bible. Our world is filled with subtle and not-so-subtle messages that tell us what it looks like to thrive. Discerning the still, small voice of God can be confusing amid the maelstrom of consumeristic communication that dominates the world in which we live.
For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, the Bible offers us an alternative vision for thriving. Psalm 1 paints a beautiful picture of what a flourishing person looks like: one who abides in God’s presence, is deeply rooted in God’s Word, and regularly bears the fruit of righteous living. Just like a healthy tree, we are meant to live as deeply rooted people, firmly planted by streams of living water, responsive to the calling of the Holy Spirit, bearing fruit in season.
God’s kingdom has often been called an upside-down kingdom, in which secular values are subverted by heavenly values. It can be difficult, however, to discern how to live both in this world and in the already-here yet still-arriving kingdom of God. Over the next two weeks, we will look closely at what the Bible says about flourishing and how it depicts a life of flourishing here and now even as we await the life to come—the ultimate, eternal flourishing in which we will live and reign with God forever.
As you pray, ask God to give you a fresh vision of what flourishing looks like in your current season of life.
Katelyn J. Dixon is a contemplative writer, speaker, and poet living in the Seattle area. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys cooking, photography, and exploring the enchanting Pacific Northwest with her husband, Drew, while partnering with him in life and ministry.
