Rooted

I love trees. In my front yard, when I was a kid, there was this massive oak tree. If a squirrel ran up there, our dog would stare up there for hours, long past when the squirrel had probably jumped to 5 other tree. It was terrific for the shade it gave the house, though, and beautifully strong. Another one was a fairly large hemlock. In the winter, it would provide shelter from snow, and it’s branches would bend to the ground to form a magnificent little teepee shelter. Every spring, not too far away, fields of rhododendron would bloom bright pink—the “Pink Beds” just odd the Blue Ridge Parkway—and the dogwoods would flower in their pinks and whites.

They were there every year. They were consistent, productive in what they were there for, and felt timeless.

The Psalmist wrote, “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalms‬ ‭1:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

To delight means to be consumed by something in this context. One finds pleasure in... has a day-and-night longing for whatever that is. For this author, to be consumed by the Law of the Lord—Torah, to the author—is to be consumed by God Himself, for Torah is the ultimate revelation of God to him, at that time (Jesus Christ had not yet come in the flesh).

Maybe this sounds simplistic. But I want a life with roots, productivity, and staying power in the purpose for which God put me on earth.

I suspect you may also want this. If so, I cannot give a stronger recommendation that God’s Word—the Bible. Make it the first thing you think about when you get up and the last thing you think of before you retire for the night.

Let me share with you my approach. I have a daily reading and journaling plan. Each day, I read a minimum of one chapter from the selections shown. I don’t really put a specific time on how long it takes, but I allow enough time to at least do the one chapter. Throughout the year, here is my schedule:

Sunday: PsalmsMonday: Genesis - 2nd SamuelTuesday: Matthew, Mark, LukeWednesday: 1 Kings - Song of Solomon (excluding Psalms)Thursday: John, Acts, RevelationFriday: Isaiah-MalachiSabbath: Romans-Jude
After I read, I journal. On one side of the journal, I write out a passage from my reading, my thoughts on that passage, and a prayer. On the other side, I may write out a little teaching or sermon idea based on my reading, or a sentence or two of gratitude and a little proverb of my own making.
Each day, I also try and commit one verse to memory, using the “Bible Memory” app (free from the App Store for smart phones or tablets).
Whatever works for you, do it! Find yourself in passionate pursuit of God! Start today!