Women's Devotional: For Women, by Womenಮಾದರಿ

Like a Tree

What gives you delight? You know, that sense of unparalleled joy, that amazing degree of enjoyment and pleasure, even to the point of rapture. That’s how the dictionary defines delight. But how do you define delight? Is it playing with your children or grandchildren, reading a good book, walking on the beach at sunset, or working on scrapbook pages? Maybe you delight in running through rain-washed streets in the early morning or hiking in the mountains on a sunny autumn day. Maybe your delight is playing games or listening to music.

The psalmist defines delight as immersing oneself in the law of the Lord. He sings of the person who finds joy in listening to God’s voice in Scripture, who discovers with pleasure “the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Romans 11:33). For this person, meditating on the Scriptures is not a duty that fulfills a certain obligation, but it is willingly devoting spare time, staying up late into the night immersed in the Bible.

And what is the result of this constant delight in God’s Word? One becomes like a tree planted by a river. You’ve seen them—tall, vital trees, well-watered because they are rooted deep in the stream. This tree is resplendent with foliage in rich shades of green. It’s a tree that can withstand biting frost, harsh winds, and blazing sun.

A person who delights in God’s Word will prosper and have integrity, will speak truthfully, and exhibit stability and strength. This is the person who will reflect the face of God like a river reflects the sun in dappled waves. This one is truly blessed.

The book of Psalms is a wonderful place to introduce yourself to the idea of delighting in God’s Word. The poetic music of the psalms is rich in metaphors and images that let your imagination soar with the grandeur, majesty, wisdom, and unsurpassing love of God. You will see him as a rock, a fortress, a strong tower, a nurturing mother, and so much more. He rides on the wind and shows himself in the starry heavens. Delight yourself in singing along with the psalmist, and plant your roots deep in the nourishing living water of God’s Word.

Reflection

• What three adjectives would describe your interest in the Scriptures? Is “delightful” on your list?
• Does the idea of delighting in God’s Word attract you to the Bible? What other things motivate you to spend time in God’s Word?
• How is your spiritual life growing like a prosperous fruit tree? Find a picture of a beautiful tree to use as a bookmark to remind you of Psalm 1.