Life in the desert

They are like trees that grow beside a stream,
that bear fruit at the right time,
and whose leaves do not dry up.
They succeed in everything they do.
(verse 3)

Read Psalm 1

Part of my job in the Army some years ago involved flying by helicopter above rugged terrain in central Australia. As a cartographer in the Survey Corps, I enjoyed a bit of sightseeing while I worked. The Aussie outback may look insipid and dull for some, but it’s quite a different story from 4000 feet. The watercourses stand out for miles. These desert streams are a life supply for the vegetation which meanders its way across the ochre landscape like a giant green snake.

God’s word is the life-giver—as vital to every soul as water in the desert. As you tap your roots into God’s word, you will find life everlasting within. What’s more, you will stand out like green vegetation in a world thirsty for God’s love in Jesus. You will also bear the fruit of God’s word in your life with others. So don’t neglect reading God’s word. It is a God-given source of life in the desert.

Thank you, Father, for the gift of your life-giving word. Help me to meditate on this word both day and night, so that I may lack no good thing. Amen.

by Simon Cooper, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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