Planted by streams of water
by Dianne Eckermann
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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).
There is a poem called ‘Trees’ by Joyce Kilmer, which ends with the line, ‘But only God can make a tree’. Trees are apparently the most frequently mentioned living things in the Bible and are used either literally or symbolically in many different ways. Central to Psalm 1 is the image of a tree planted by streams of water. It grows because of life-giving water and being planted in just the right place. Its roots reach down so that it is firmly grounded, and its leaves, therefore, never wither.
A shady tree planted by streams is just what dreams are made of in a hot Australian summer. This tree, however, has not just prospered out of nowhere, nor does it exist just to provide shade. It symbolises a person who has studied and grown to know and delight in the teaching of God. It represents a person who, according to the words of the text, prospers in whatever they do. This does not mean prosperity in the way the world might view it. It does not mean getting whatever you want that looks good in the eyes of the world. It means being connected to God through learning about God. It is connected to the water, so often seen as life-giving, but perhaps in this context, it represents learning that flows from God.
Psalm 1 offers us two choices: to thrive like the tree planted by the stream or be blown away like worthless chaff. It is tempting in our society to want to have it both ways –sit with the scoffers and stand firmly grounded by the stream. The fear of missing out even has its own acronym – FOMO – because it is so tempting to see what others are experiencing just in case it is better than what we already know. There is, however, only one choice – to ground ourselves in God’s word and thrive through this connection. This is true prosperity.
We thank you, Heavenly Father, for the waters of learning that flow from you. We ask you to help us thrive in the knowledge of all you have done and continue to do for each of us. Amen.
Dianne has worked in varying roles in Lutheran schools and is currently Director of Leadership at Lutheran Education Australia. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband Rob, two dogs, and several kangaroos who visit regularly. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, the company of her children and grandchildren and walking along the River Torrens Linear Park Trail.
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