Listen

The truly happy person doesn’t follow wicked advice, doesn’t stand on the road of sinners, and doesn’t sit with the disrespectful. Instead of doing those things, these persons love the Lord’s Instruction, and they recite God’s Instruction day and night! They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds.

Psalm 1:1-3

Think

The book of Psalms opens by pointing back to the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where Moses proclaims: “Israel, listen! Our God is the Lord! Only the Lord! Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength.”

In Psalm 1:1-3, the psalmist reminds us that true contentment is found in following God’s instruction because God desires relationship with us. The world offers distractions that fail to satisfy, but delighting in God gives us life.

When we love God with our whole selves, we are like a tree planted by streams of water—nourished, steadfast, and flourishing. Not only are we sustained, but we also bear fruit, becoming a blessing to others. Today we are invited to root our lives deeply in God’s love.

Lee Ritchie

Question to Ponder:

What is one way I can root myself more deeply in God’s love?

Pray

Loving God, thank you that you desire relationship with me. Thank you that I can be planted by your sustaining life-giving water. Help me love you with my whole self and meditate on your goodness. Amen.

Go

Remember God created you, loves you, and desires relationship with you. Let the abundance of that relationship nourish you and help you love others. Amen.