Choose Life

The Psalmist uses a picturesque image to encourage the people to grow in their relationship with the Lord:  “Like trees planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in due season, are those who delight in the Lord.”  (Psalm 1:3).  “Yielding fruit in due season” requires waiting – something most people find challenging. Through Moses, the Lord says it this way to the people: “I have led you for forty years in the wilderness.  The clothes on your back have not worn out, and the sandals on your feet have not worn out . . . so that you may know that I am the Lord your God.”  (Dt. 29:5)

What about you?  Are you aware that throughout all these years you are still clothed with the everlasting love of God?  Your feet are still sandaled with faith and hope for the Journey.   The Lord invites you, just as he invited the people through Moses: “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. . . Choose life that you may live.” (Dt. 30:15 &19)  

Perhaps “journeying” is an easier image to understand than “yielding fruit in due season” which requires deep trust and long waiting.  You need to be very patient with the Lord regarding the “seasons of your heart.”  These seasons have their own calendar, their own time of producing blossoms and fruit – or perhaps even producing fruit first and then blossoms.  Who can know the mind of the Lord?

Whatever image appeals to you, whatever season your heart is in right now, Blessings as you continue to respond to the Lord’s invitation to “Choose Life.”  May these words of the Psalmist encourage you as you Journey and draw nourishment from the Stream:  “Lord, I trust in your unfailing love” (Ps 13.5)     - Jackie F.