He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

The Banks of the Sacramento

Many years ago I taught a weekly noontime Bible study where I worked. It was done, surprisingly, at the request of our CEO, who was a believer. A few of the ladies in my study were always pressing me to tell the story of my conversion to Christ. I told them simply that I was raised and guided by my godly Mother in a fundamental Christian home as a child and believed on Christ at that time. But for many years it bothered me to tell my story.

Being part of the 'Jesus Movement' of the 1970s I'd heard dramatic testimonies of young people being freed from addictions to drugs, sex (termed 'free love,') and of their rebellion against God. Their testimonies had a very dramatic effect that people seemed to relish. It was a 'Wow' experience for many. I'd always looked at mine as a 'Yawn' experience.

My inferiority on the matter was changed one Sunday morning when my pastor (who came out of Jesus Movement, incidentally) spoke directly to those of us who didn't have dramatic stories of conversion. He said we could delight in the fact of Christ's holding power that kept us walking in His commandments and teachings up to now. That was a 'Wow' moment for me.

For those of us that might feel we have weak and ineffective conversion testimonies remember God did not let us grow in the wilderness as wild trees but planted us beside the water. We have endured storms and sunshine through the years yet by His grace we have remained steadfast in His loving power and grown into mature trees that bears fruit.

When I read today's verse I'm always reminded of a family reunion I attended at my uncle's home in Northern California. His backyard border were the banks the Sacramento River. It was a clear and gently flowing part of the river bordered by many trees. A beautiful teaching moment from Psalms 1. The point here is the strength and maturity of the tree. It stands firm by the water and is never moved. It might be blown about harshly at times by wind and storm but always comes out standing strong where it was planted.

Christ Jesus is the creator of all things, both visible and invisible and all things are upheld by Him (Colossians 1:16-20). No matter your testimony of faith you have been kept by His glorious and holy power.

You have something to take great joy in that you have always walked in the Light of the Master Gardner that planted you in the right place at the right time. The next time you see a tree standing strong beside the water be reminded that you stand in the Savior's strength just like that. Your leaf will not wither and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ you will bear your fruit in due season.

Ken