Forty Days of Peace: Day 28

Peace with Others

Obeying God’s word brings peace

…He is like a tree planted by streams of water… Psalm 1:3

Please read Psalm 1

Like our previous two posts this week so far, we once again see God’s word painting a picture of two ways of living, one with him, one without him. Rather than explaining this familiar psalm, I will type it out below for you to reread slowly in the Message version, which will make it a little less familiar, and hopefully while doing so, a little more insightful. As you read, take note of the contrast. Where are the two different individuals “hanging out”? What are they each thinking about? What image is given for each? And finally, which one am I?

1 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.

2-3 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.

4-5 You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust—without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.

6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row.

What a contrast between a tree replanted in Eden and mere windblown dust! Which image do we really want to resemble? Before moving forward, let's stop, think, pray, then proceed.

Today, take time to pray through this picturesque psalm. Ask the Lord to give you a strong desire to meditate on his word day and night (v.2), and even a stronger desire to obey it. Often times sin is so fleetingly fun, but just as often, the consequences of these choices are more than miserable. With the Lord, however, even if circumstances around you are chaotic, the fruit of his Spirit within you will continue to blossom, not only for your benefit but also for others who live with you and around you.

With contrasting pictures in mind to help inspire us, let's you and I choose to "hang out with God" so that we can gain peace.

For further reading: Psalm 119:92-105; Psalm 119:165; Matthew 11:28-30

Dear Lord,

I want off of Dead-End Road! Please help me choose your paths so that I can experience your divine peace no matter the twists and turns. And I don't want to be mere windblown dust! Give me the desire to both meditate on AND obey your word; you promise it will bring ongoing fruitful growth! As I submit to you, please make me like a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom; because the world needs to see THIS picture through me. Amen.