Psalm 1 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 1 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
Verse 2but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
Verse 3They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
Verse 4The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Verse 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
Verse 6for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Devotion
The Psalmist continues this week's theme of choosing life. He uses the metaphor of planting.
We nearly missed spring this year. I wondered, "Should I plant tomatoes this year? The ground is so cold. Is there time for the plants to bear fruit? It is a lot of work to plant and cultivate and water and fertilize. What should I do?"
I grow tomatoes for one reason and one reason only. I live for that one month of being able to eat bacon, lettuce and TOMATO sandwiches. My mouth waters to even mention them. Nothing compares to sliced tomatoes fresh from the garden laid on two slices of toasted whole grain bread. Crispy bacon and lettuce leaves and Miracle Whip lathered on top makes a meal to die for.
The odds appeared to be against me but I chose life. I chose to plant tomatoes. Not even a hail-storm could interfere with me feasting once again this year on bacon, lettuce and TOMATO sandwiches.
The psalmist wrote a song about not following the wisdom of the wicked and choosing to "plant trees by streams of water, and enjoying their fruit in its season."
There is nothing to compare to the fruit that comes from choosing to plant one's life according the law of the Lord. Not even BLTs!
Prayer
Lord, we are given many choices. Grant us the faith to make good planting choices this day. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen!