How to Prosper

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night. 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. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1

Next to one of my favorite bodies of water stands a massive cottonwood tree I’ve admired as long as I’ve been alive. This tree has weathered numerous storms throughout the years and always drops cotton like snow when the season demands it. I’ve anchored hammocks and dry lines to it without fail. This tree is stable, continually drawing water from the lake it overlooks. In psalm one, the author compares the life of a man to a tree planted near the water. This example defines what prosperity looks like.

Carefully observe that men, like trees, draw strength from what is around them. Plant a man next to the shifting sand of disreputable characters, and you’ll have a life that is quickly uprooted. The contrast is the Law of the Lord. Mulling over God’s Word is the most prosperous thing a man can do. There will be a testing for all, and when that time comes, those who draw strength from God stand tall. Take time today to read and think about the Word.

DO THIS TODAY: Read the Bible and think continually over the words.