February 2025

Planted by the River

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

Well, the first month of 2025 is in the books. Many are still motivated and working hard on their goals for the year. Most of us have already experienced a few surprises on our journey. Billy Graham once said, “Mountain tops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” Reverend Graham understood the pleasure of the mountaintops and the difficulty faced in the valley. There are days when we feel confident and in control and others when anxiousness controls our thoughts. When things are not going as planned, we need to rely on the source of strength and wisdom that is always more than enough for our circumstances.

Psalms 1:1-3 (KJV) says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” There is a lot of wisdom in this passage, and it is a great reminder of how to keep our minds healthy and focused on the things that matter the most. The first directive is to keep away from the things that will cause harm and pull us away from the foundational principles found in the Bible. The Bible should serve as our guidebook, providing the instruction we need to navigate the craziness of life. The Psalmist says that we should meditate on it day and night. This is exactly the encouragement and help we need when life throws us a challenge, and we find ourselves filled with anxiousness and worry.

The analogy of the tree planted by a river of water is a great picture of strength, growth, and success. The tree needs a consistent source of nutrients and water to be healthy and grow. We are no different. When we get too far away from the ultimate source of fulfillment and strength, we can easily find ourselves struggling with an unhealthy mindset. The passage goes on to say that the tree will produce fruit, and its leaf will not wither. It didn’t promise we would not experience a storm or two along the way. However, when rooted in the never-ending source of strength (our heavenly Father), we can be confident that we will prosper. If you are like me, you have found yourself, from time to time, too far away from the river. Trying to control and handle things myself instead of relying on God. I am thankful that God is always there and that he allows us to replant ourselves next to him so that we can prosper.

I believe another aspect to this passage is important to understand. When a tree produces fruit, it is for the people that pass by, not for the tree itself. This, I believe, is a picture of the life of Jesus. Jesus’ life on earth was one of mentoring, serving, and sacrifice. He was in the business of adding value. Philippians 2:4-5 (NLT) says, “Don’t look out for only your interest but take an interest in others too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” When we are healthy and plugged into God’s blessing in our lives, we will produce fruit that encourages and adds value to others.

Challenge: Stay clear of the things and people in life that draw you away from God’s purpose and plan. Meditate on God’s word day and night. When you find yourself struggling and not producing fruit that adds value to others, move closer to the river of never-ending strength and wisdom only found in Christ Jesus.

Published: February 1, 2025

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