As we gathered to pray and listen with the text in community this week, many of us lingered with our sense of where God has planted us or replanted us. We savored the words and melody of the old hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, as we each were drawn into deeper fellowship with God. In our own unique ways, we experienced a sense of God’s tender care for us whatever our circumstance. We were given fresh strength to stay where we are and dwell there as we are.
Journeying with this community for many, many years now, I, Kim, marvel at the deep roots the Holy Spirit has nurtured in us. I give thanks for the attentive and loving care of the Farmer who plants and replants us in places where our soul can flourish and the Kingdom of God expand.
To God be the glory.
Psalm 1 RSV
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 which 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 The Message
How well God must like you – you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College. Instead you thrill to God’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust – Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that ‘shimmered’ as you listened? Allow it to land in your heart. Stay with it. Savor it.
Reflect on what you heard. What effect does it have on you? What meaning does it hold for you? What does the Holy Spirit seem to be conveying to you? Talk it over in your prayer.
Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer or journal the conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some moments of quiet with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
