Planted By the Water

"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do." -Psalm 1

In my neighborhood we have a nice trail behind our house that runs parallel with 485, and a creek. Now that it's warmed up, I'm outside most of the day, I love nature, I love to be in the woods, or sitting on a rock thinking by a creek or river. God reminds us of Himself in His creation, and as I have said before creation preaches and sermon, we just have to listen, and be aware. On one of my walks, my mom and I noticed this tree with these awesome roots, I got off and trail and climbed down to the creek so I could get a picture of the above. Then I was reminded of how we are like trees planted along the riverbank. There are awesome connections to be made in looking at this simple yet profound truth God has shown us in scripture.
We can look at this truth as spiritual prosperity, in a healthy way. First, we should know that verse 3 is a result of verses 1 and 2. Very simply, if you hang around people who bring you down, you will not prosper spiritually. However, if you dwell in the Word, and be satisfied in it, thinking on it, and being all about what Jesus wants, then it will lead into spiritual prosperity. The key is Jesus, He is the key to everything. Abiding in the truth of the Bible will give the Christ follower stability. It will allow God to plant in you things you will give birth too, like ministries, and things He has appointed you to do. Most importantly, to people, new birth in Christ. This is how we know we are fertile, bearing fruit. As we are in God's Word, it teaches us to be faithful, to be consistent in our walk with Him. We will bear fruit "every season without fail," it will be consistent.
The water we are planted by is the living water. It is a water that is the life source, that which gives life. It is what gives new life which is the Holy Spirit, by means of cleansing. It is the purest water. John 4 tells us the story of Jesus talking to the woman at the well, and He offers her a water like she has never had. A water that will satisfy, and give eternal life. This means to be born again of cleansing, and the Power of Christ (John 3:5).
This is mentioned again in Ezekiel 47:12, "Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing." This river is similar to the river mentioned in Revelation 22:12, which is associated with the rive in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:10. This is a gentle, safe, and deep river that expands as it flows and brings life to all it touches. This is an image of Heaven, and a promise to all who love God and belong to Him, it is the promise of health, and well being, His healing power! He is the life, John 14:6.
Are you spiritually prospering? Are you planted by the life source? Are your roots taking in, and giving birth to the things God planned long ago?
How about, every time you drink water you make it a reminder to bring these questions to mind.
God bless you as you seek Him.