Psalms 1:3

 "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."



This conditional promise reminds me of summer drives up I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Much of Arizona is a desert, especially along the freeway just north of Phoenix. There is a definite shortage of water when compared to states like Oregon and Washington, so much of the vegetation is shrubs, puny trees, or various cacti.

The contrast of various shades of brown is broken by the lush, green vegetation, that, clearly marks the river’s path. In the midst of the greenery 30’-50’ Cottonwood trees flourish. Even in the deserts of Arizona in the dead heat of summer! The reason is simple. They draw their life from the vast water supplied by the river and those jealous shrubs, too far from the river’s waters, shrivel under the searing heat from the sun.

Much of this world and the people in it are just like the deserts of Arizona. They have an existence, yet not

abundant life. God is promising you that you can flourish in this lifetime, even when others in the near distance shrivel, struggle, or die. Unlike the trees, you have a choice where you will be “planted.” Should you decide to follow God and His counsels then you will be a distinct marker of His river of life. That means God will use you to show others what He can do to an ordinary life. It also means that He will adequately supply what you need.