Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

I remember the first tree we planted in our backyard. We bought it from a local nursery and planted it in one of the corners of the yard. My oldest son, Jeremiah, was about 2 years old. I dug a deep hole and before we planted the tree, we stuck him inside. It was so cute, his little head peeking out the top. And 19 years later, that crabapple tree still stands, now tall, and it provides shade for our patio. It provides a place for the birds to nest, and it provides food — crabapples — for the animals around.

We have had many wind, hail, snow, and ice storms over the years. But this crabapple tree dug deep roots. It grew balanced and tall, with some pruning along the way. It still stands today!

Something about trees beckon us to reflect on the permanence and stability of a life with God. His Word is the foundation on which we build; and when we build life by meditating on and putting into practice the principles and “calls to action” in his Word — our personal impact with God is solid and lasting.

What is solid and lasting in my life today? If everything in the world was stripped away: house, cars, retirement, jobs, friends, position, power, property, etc., what would be left? Would my relationship with God and obedience to his word stand out?

If I want it to stand out, these instructions are critical: 1) Do not walk in step with the wicked, 2) do not stand in the path (or along it) that sinners take, 3) do not sit (or linger and associate with) mockers. So simple are these warnings and “Oh, so true.” And I look back at the times in my life I have fallen to sins (like lust, anger, or greed), they center around following in the steps of the wicked, hanging around places where wicked things happen, or letting wicked people influence me by condoning and participating in their evil activities.

So, do I want to be well rooted and produce good fruit in life? I must meditate and implement the truth, love, and grace of God’s Word!

Lord, thank you for this simple yet powerful first Psalm. Living a great life starts with a good foundation or root system. And that good system is your Word. May I dwell in it daily, and hour by hour.