out of the ordinary | the waters

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. For the next few days we're looking at all things watery! Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through them. Amen.

What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! He won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat. His passion is to remain true to the Word of “I AM,” meditating day and night on the true revelation of light. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous. Psalm 1: 1-3, TPT

Of all the many fabulous verses in the Psalms these are my personal favourites. I love the imagery of the beautiful tree deeply rooted, lush and abundant, constantly nurtured by the steam of water it grows beside. It is an image that informed the cover of my first book and I come back to it frequently.

Psalm 1 is called a wisdom Psalm because through it we learn that choosing to follow the Lord brings us great security and blessing - even in difficult times. It tells us peace will elude us if we not aligned with God’s purposes. It counsels us to tune in to the instructions of the Father, ignoring the insistent voices of others who don’t value his wisdom. I love that we can rest confident there is no possibility of falling when our roots go deep in Jesus.

It might be difficult for you to imagine yourself as a tree (!) so perhaps today take a moment to see yourself lying by a bubbling brook on a hot day. Picture yourself idly running your fingers through the cool water. Then take a long drink. Rest knowing you are ever sustained by the Living Water.

Let’s pray
Father, you promise that whoever believes in you will have rivers of living water flowing from their heart. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh right now. Fill me to overflowing with the fullness of your peace, presence, love, joy and hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.