This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, with a mini-series within it entitled “Focusing on the Word”. We are walking our way through the first half of the first psalm. Let’s get back to it. The Bible says:
(Psalm 1:1-3 KJV) “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
(Psalm 1:1-3 ERV) “Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. Instead, they love the Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream—a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.”
Today we focus in on the line: “he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water”, or “they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- When you meditate and medicate on God’s Word day and night the psalmist likens you to a tree. Not just any tree, but a tree planted in a specific location. This tree is planted by a river, giving it a constant supply of what it needs to grow and prosper.
- A tree planted a river has a constant supply of water. It does not have to wait for rain to come from above. The water comes up from beneath. This is the picture the psalmist gives us of the believer who CHOOSES to meditate and medicate on God’s Word day and night. They don’t have to wait for Sunday morning or Wednesday night to “hear a Word” through their Pastor(s). They don’t have to wait for a “Word” to come to them from heaven. They have chosen to meditate and medicate on God’s Word day and night. The result: the Word of God is springing-up inside of them continually. They “have a Word” daily. They walk around with a Word in their heart and mind. This is the way we should live!
- When a tree has a consistent water source it is position to grow and develop into a strong, vibrant and resilient living organism. This is the picture the psalmist paints for us of the believer who meditates and medicates on God’s Word.
- When you make a conscious decision to meditate/medicate on God’s Word day and night and you do this day-in and day-out, you will live long and strong. Your life will become a living testimony of God’s goodness.
- When you meditate/medicate God’s Word day and night, you can’t help but become what you are giving your attention to. You will become what you behold. When you behold the Word of God over and over and over again, you are changed into that very same image by the Spirit of God (2 Cor 3:18).
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus this year by focusing on Your Word. I choose to meditate and medicate on Your Word day and night. I keep Your Word before my eyes and on my mind. I behold it every day and I become what I behold. The more I meditate Your Word, the more I am changed into what I am meditating. Your Word gives me an image of Your best and I am changed into that very same image every day. I don’t have to wait for Sunday morning or Wednesday night to receive a Word, I choose to meditate Your Word daily. This way I have a constant supply of what I need to grow and prosper! I am like the tree in Psalm 1. I am planted by the rivers of water. I have what I need to grow. My leaves do not fall. Everything I do succeeds! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
