Some of my fondest memories stem from the times God blessed me with opportunities to travel. My favorite spots had subtropical temperatures, sandy beaches and blue waters. I’d walk barefoot along the shoreline each day, taking in the warmth of the bright sun in a cloudless sky, while feeling the squish of the sand between my toes. I’d breathe deeply while listening to the crash of the ocean waves, experiencing a state of refreshment through the relaxing environment that provided a reprieve from my aches and pains.
Today’s verse resonates loudly with me, being someone who enjoys the physical and spiritual benefits of life giving and sustaining water. The longer I journey with the Lord, the more his Word has become a wonderful source of living water, feeding my spiritual roots so they may grow and deepen. With the difficulties that life has a way of bringing, the rejuvenating nature of Scripture yields a transforming power that has restored me from times of despair, hurt and self-righteousness.
That power infuses my heart and mind with undeniable truths in order to do away with rotten fruit that’s threatening to spoil the remaining good fruit in my life that God has brought through drinking from his biblical stream. It’s the Word of God that will produce the real spiritual growth and abundant fruit the Lord desires for us. No tropical vacation can ever replace what I know can only come from being planted in the truth of Scripture, as lovely as getaways can be.
If my heart is set on glorifying God and fully living for him, then I need to grow in my walk with him and that can only happen if I am in his word each day, reading and believing what’s written on every page and applying each truth to my life. That’s when I’ll bear spiritual fruit in season, and remain fresh and strong (to paraphrase Psalm 1:3b). When, in each subsequent season of my life, I’ll reap the benefits of being rooted in Scripture, regularly attending church, engaging in Bible studies and enjoying the fellowship of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
As true followers of Christ, we are called to grow and mature in our faith so that we can be effectively used for the kingdom of God. May we make every effort to dig into the rich stream of Scripture, yielding new growth with fresh fruit, each day.
Father God, your love for us is so incredible. Thank you that you want us to grow and mature as your children and that everything we need for that is found in your word. Help us to dig in deeper to holy Scripture, both for our own growth, and in order to be of help to others who don’t yet know you. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
Throughout The Day: As you meditate on today’s verse, think about how the Lord has been growing you, spiritually, and praise him for all of those blessings.
Photo Credit: Heiner