Psalm 1:3 - Woodgrain

The first psalm describes the person who doesn't do three things:
First, they don't base their actions on the advice of evil people.
Second, they don't linger with people committed to disobeying God.
Third, they don't leisurely sit back to mock and laugh at others.
Instead, their constant focus is on the Bible's instructions for godly living.

Consequently, they are like a healthy tree rooted next to a river.
It has strong branches and leaves; every harvest season, it bears fruit. 

As the New American Standard Bible translates it, the one who "delights in the law of the Lord... yields fruit in season." (Psalm 1:3)

We all have days that seem fruitless, times when we don't seem to accomplish much for anyone, let alone God. But even healthy trees endure winter months.

I've always enjoyed the look of natural wood. Properly cutting a log will maximize the beauty of the grain. But the grain simply reflects the regular change of seasons. The light grain is created during faster growth of late spring and summer. The dark grain is from slower growth as temperatures cool in autumn.

Some seasons in life are more productive than others, but it's the constant, consistent relationship with God that keeps our spiritual life vital, regardless of the season. And even when the harvest is over, a beautiful pattern of woodgrain is still being created.

Lord, keep our hearts centered on You and Your word. We entrust You with the seasons of our lives--to produce fruit at the right time that will be a source of joy and nourishment to others. Amen.