Be Like A Tree

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Psalm 1:3

Do you like trees? Maybe you like to climb them, or maybe you sit under their shade on hot summer days. In the fall, it’s fun to see leaves on some kinds of trees turn to red, yellow, and orange. Trees that are well planted and strong can live a long time, sometimes thousands of years.

The Olive Tree of Vouves, located on the Greek island of Crete, is one of the world’s oldest trees. It’s been standing for thousands of years. That means it was already growing when Jesus walked on earth, maybe long before. The apostle Paul might have walked by that tree on one of his missionary journeys. The Olive Tree of Vouves still stands strong and produces olives today.

The psalmist David compares godly people to a tree that is planted by a river and produces fruit. He was thinking of a tree with deep roots that draw moisture from the ground. It stands sturdy through droughts or storms. You are like that tree. Just as the tree has roots to support it and draw moisture, you have roots of faith in Jesus. He is your Savior, and because of that you can stand strong during life’s storms.

A tree like the one David refers to has grown and matured over time. In the same way, you started your faith journey as a sapling, and you’ve been growing since. And the more you dig into God’s Word, learn about him, and do your best to follow him, the more you’ll grow and mature, just as the flourishing tree did.

The tree David talks about in Psalm 1 also produces fruit. As a child of God allowing his Spirit to work in you, you can be full of good works, or fruit. How that looks in your life depends on the gifts God has given you for serving him. Perhaps you are an encourager who lifts others up when they are down. Or maybe you are a teacher who helps explain things to others. You might be a supporter who stands behind others and helps them with their tasks. Or you may be a leader who steps out and leads others in doing healthy and useful things.

God wants you to be like a tree that is growing and flourishing and producing fruit. He will help you to grow strong as you grow in your faith.

Go for a walk in your neighborhood or local park. Take a picture of the largest, strongest tree you can find. Ask a parent to help you get a print of the picture. Tape it to your mirror to remind you to be strong and mature like that tree.