Devotion:
Read Psalm 1.
The psalmist draws a powerful contrast in this brief passage. Palestine has many dry and rocky places where trees struggle to grow and produce. But along the Jordan and other rivers, trees put down roots into the life-giving water table and grow strong, producing the fruit they were created to produce. Contrasted with this powerfully rooted and productive tree is chaff, the dry and worthless husks that had covered the kernels of grain such as wheat and barley. Farmers tossed the grain and chaff together into the air, allowing the wind to blow the light, wispy chaff away and the clean kernels of grain to fall to the ground to be collected and used.
When we seek and reflect on God’s word, we develop deep spiritual roots that bring life-giving water to us. We are not so much protected or shielded from life’s troubles as we are given strength to endure them and even to keep right on yielding good results. But if we seek life in other things like popularity and wealth, material possessions, and the perfect social media image, we become like the chaff that the wind blows away. Life really is about choices, and we are called to choose the way of God daily.
Personal Worship Option:
Ask yourself today, “When am I like that tree planted by a stream of life-giving water, and when am I like the chaff the wind blows away?” Honestly reflect on that and then ask God to help you be rooted in God’s ways more and more.
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