Psalm 1 describes a person who is seeking to be righteous. They delight in God’s teachings and meditate on them consistently (verse 2).

Verse 3 describes something important about that person’s life: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…”

They are a fruit-yielding tree, metaphorically speaking. In other words, their life gives evidence (i.e. fruit) of their faithfulness.

Think of a tree. The tree doesn’t enjoy the fruit itself. Others enjoy the fruit. An animal or a person comes along and gets to enjoy it. 

The same is true for the one who delights in God’s teachings and meditates on them consistently. You may not always see it, but it’s true.

-God will use your behind-the-scenes sacrifices that no one else sees to benefit others.
-God will use your faithfulness even when it is the unpopular thing to do to benefit others.
-God will use your act of kindness and mercy to benefit others.
-God will use your humble-yet-unwavering commitment to the truth to benefit others.
-God will use your personal holiness to benefit others.

I think this should encourage you, especially if you wonder whether or not you are making any difference.

Believe in God. Delight in his teachings. Grow in knowledge and action. And be confident that God will bless people through you.

In Christ, you are a fruit-yielding tree.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.