Psalm 1: The Two Ways
I was out walking a farm track one late summer’s day long since the rain had fallen long since, grass had faded to gold I passed a field of crops as the dry wind whipped the struggling plants tossing away earth as dust the plants collapsed and withered I walked on as the path went down winding through willow trees roots deep in search of water Hidden at the bottom of the gully under a small strip of green I found a flowing stream and as I followed it there were fruit trees sheltered from the wind drawing on the water apples hanging bright and full crisp and tangy sweet I live that my life may be surrounded by love inspired by truth sustained by Spirit bearing fruit season by season What does it take? What choices must I make? What advice must I ignore? What paths must I avoid? The Lord watches over the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked will perish. The way of the water is the way of delight Delight in the way of the Lord. I choose to sink roots into living water to rest my mind, my heart and soul in stillness, in waiting, in resting (easy to say on holiday, harder to do in a busy week!) day and night, night and day I belong in the living Lord |
Psalm 1: A tree by a stream
Happy are those who choose their path - I will follow Jesus. Be careful where you put your step - God will be your guide. I will be a tree growing by a stream - God’s Spirit like fresh water. I will grow good fruit and grow strong and God will watch over me. |
Note on the photo above:
Detail from a painting by Lynn Ramage
of the Kahuterawa Stream, just over our back fence at Linton, Palmerston North
Detail from a painting by Lynn Ramage
of the Kahuterawa Stream, just over our back fence at Linton, Palmerston North