Living at the Riverbank!

Welcome to a new week!

"Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." Psalms 1:1-3

Psalm 1 is an inspired poem of contrasts. It contrasts two types of individuals, the blessed man and the cursed man highlighting the consequences of their chosen lifestyles. Just as in any other kind of poetry, the author uses imagery drawn for the setting he lives in. In this case, the middle-eastern climatic setting is the background of this God-inspired poem.

The Middle-East is replete with deserts. For instance, the rocky desert known as the Negev covers more than half of Israel, over some 13,000 km² (4,700 sq mi) or at least 55% of the country's land area. This means the area is a pretty dry place making water a golden commodity. There is a continual search for water especially living streams of water which signifies life, refreshment and potential for fruitfulness.

The psalmist, using this background contrasts life in the desert to one by the riverbank. First he alludes to the person who chose to live in a spiritual desert. Notice the progression of the actions of this desert dweller. He begins by walking, progresses to standing and finally sitting. Notice also the progression of his association: first the wicked, then sinners, and finally mockers (sinners with voice). He is implying that sin and dryness is progressive. It starts with just dabbling and then it becomes a prison.

Your fruitfulness, blessedness, happiness, joy, spirituality, desire for God, hope, confidence, faith, manners, love for God, commitment, and inspiration can become depleted progressively due to your association. 1 Cor 15:33 says evil company corrupts good manners. Association implies books, friendships, relationships, movies, programs and other things you expose yourself to regularly. You may have been fervent before, but wrong association, like living in the desert dries you up completely until you wither and wilt like a dry leave. You are bored, lacking in joy and inspiration, restless and full of untapped potential.

The good news is that you don't have to continue living in the desert. You can change your address to the riverbank. According to Psalm 1, the riverbank dweller is fruitful and productive, nourished, never withering and ever prospering. He is full of joy, always inspired and ever making progress. He is planted, which signifies stability and consistency.

The focus of our LightPoints this week is how to transition to this kind of life. Here are some actions to combat spiritual dryness and transition to the riverbank lifestyle:

1. In your dryness, acknowledge Jesus and come to Him with desire. Psalm 63:1
"A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.

2. Ask Him regularly to rain on you and turn your desert into a fruitful forest. Zec 10:1, John 7:37.

3. Stay hooked to Him. John 15:1-7. He is the vine and you are the branch. Stay hooked to Him by spending time in His word and in prayer. Take 10-15 minutes or more everyday to meditate in God's word. Psalm 1:2. To meditate means to ponder on and murmur or mutter God's word to yourself until it takes root in your heart.

4.Develop the habit of worshipping God. Worship ventilates your soul. Singing spiritual songs precipitates inspiration and displaces dryness. It changes the atmosphere of your life.

5. Watch your associations. Cut off every relationship that drains you. Stop watching or reading things that deplete you spiritually.
If you do these, you "will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." Psalms 1:3

Welcome to the riverbank!

Blessings this week,

Pastor Lan

 

For other devotionals, please click here