Day 30 — Rooted for Life

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.”

— Psalm 1:1–3 (BSB)

This is it: the very last day of the very last book of Rooted!

Let’s end where the whole book of Psalms begins, with a picture of a tree.

Psalm 1 describes two kinds of people. One kind walks with the wicked, follows sinners and sits with mockers, people who make fun of God. Step by step, they get pulled further and further away.

But the other kind of person is different. “His delight is in the Law of the LORD.” He loves God’s Word. He thinks about it “day and night.” And look at what he becomes:

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water.”

That’s the picture we’ve been following for six whole books! Think back over the journey:

• In Book 1, you were planted. You learned who God is, heard the good news about Jesus, discovered who you are in Christ and learned to pray. Your roots started growing.
• In Book 2, you followed Jesus from the manger to the empty tomb.
• In Book 3, you learned how God grows fruit in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
• In Book 4, you learned how to stand strong in the storm, when you’re afraid, sad or tempted.
• In Book 5, you branched out in love to your family, friends, church and the world.
• And in Book 6, you discovered God’s purpose: to bear fruit that lasts forever.

Now look at the promises of Psalm 1. A tree planted by streams of water:

• Yields its fruit in season. It keeps producing good things, year after year.
• Its leaf does not wither. Even in dry times, it stays green and alive.
• Prospers in all he does. Its life is full and good, because it’s connected to the source of life.

That’s the kind of person God wants you to be for the rest of your life. Not just for 180 days. For life.

And here’s the secret, the same secret from the very first day of Book 1: it’s all about the roots. The tree doesn’t stay green by trying really hard. It stays green because its roots reach down to the water. Keep your roots in Jesus, and He will keep you growing.

Think about it: Looking back over all six books of Rooted, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned?

Try this: Draw one last tree in your notebook: a big one, planted by a stream. Write your favorite verse from all six books on its trunk. Then show someone and tell them what God has taught you.

Dear God, thank You for this whole journey. Thank You for planting me, growing me and helping me bear fruit. Make me like a tree planted by streams of water, rooted in You for the rest of my life. Keep me growing, keep me strong and use me to bless others. I love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.