“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3

In this Psalm, God outlines the progression of sin. But He also supplies the antidote – I am to “delight in the law of the Lord.” His word must be at the forefront of my mind. If I am pondering, mulling over, and dwelling upon His words, I will be like a vibrant, healthy, and fruitful tree.

God indicates that fruit-bearing comes in its season. It stands to reason that there must be times when there is no bearing of fruit. God hasn’t ceased tending the tree, but there’s a cycle in the life of a fruit tree. Growth and nourishment still occur, even when there is no visible fruit. There will also be times of pruning which is necessary to remove that which has died or is diseased. Once gone, the remaining branches can receive the nutrition needed to bring forth more fruit.

I have to remember that God is the One who determines the seasons of my fruit-bearing. And when I do bear fruit, it’s never for my own consumption; it’s for the benefit of others. An apple tree doesn’t open up and eat its own fruit. I am not to be self-fed. My nourishment comes from being well-watered and fed through God’s Word. Then I will bear fruit to His glory and prosper in His ways. In this I can truly delight!