Psalm Book PDF

Psalm One I understand why the Scripture says that those who seek God are planted like trees by streams that sustain them even through drought. I understand why

Pastor Tyler (or T Bone to his friends) had a surprise for every kid at Sojourn. After the sermon all the children trooped outside to see what Pastor T was up to this time. Underneath the large oak tree next to the sidewalk, dozens of potted tree saplings of various types and sizes waved in the breeze as the kids made their way to the shady spot. Every eye turned to the lead elder to listen to his explanation. "Next week we're beginning our Summer Psalms series, and I want you to read Psalm 1 every day. After you read it, find a place to plant your tree - with the help of your parents of course," said Pastor Tyler. The children dutifully selected a tree and headed to their cars with their waiting parents. During the week some families spent time researching the type of tree they had and found spots beside a creek or river to plant their tree in deep, healthy soil. Other families lost track of time and were too busy to find the perfect place to plant their trees. Realizing they needed to get the tree in the ground before the church service the next day, the families rushed around and haphazardly selected spots without giving it any thought. Too often the soil was shallow and rocky, making it very difficult for a young, tender tree to survive. Over the course of the summer, the children kept tabs on the trees that had been planted and reported their results to Pastor Tyler. Not surprisingly, the trees that had been planted with care and time were thriving. The scorching summer sun and lack of rain had taken a toll on the trees carelessly planted, and they withered away until they died. Long ago, the original settlers of Floyd County understood the power of planting next to the water and carefully selected homesteads next to Little River, Burkes Fork, or West Fork. We, too, need to be firmly planted next to the Living Water, next to Jesus. How do we do that? We find delight, or great pleasure, in the Lord's law or instruction. In other words, we find joy in meditating on God's holy scripture, the Bible, because what delights us directs us. Meditating on God's Word is like water soaking in the soil next to the tree. It goes deep to the roots of our spirit and nourishes us for the days ahead. When we are firmly planted in the Word, we will not want to be taking advice from wicked people or sitting in the company of people who make fun of God or holy things. We will bear good fruit like "love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control." (Galatians 5:22-23) We will share the last piece of cake with our brother or husband. We will help our neighbor put their cows back in the field when they get out. We will love people who may not be easy to like let alone love. Let us be like the children who planted their trees well. Spend time with God every day soaking up His Word and thoughtfully considering His ways.

John's gospel tells of a woman who came to a spring in the heat of the day, how she came to Jacob's well looking for water and found life. -Hannah Anderson, Turning of Days: Lessons from Nature, Season, and Spirit