Desolate or Fruitful?
by Katherine Kehler
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“And he (they) shall be like a tree firmly planted (and tended) by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not face shall not fade or wither and everything he does shall prosper (and come to maturity)” (Psalm 1:3).
We were driving through the Mojave Desert. For miles, all we could see was desolation: dry sand, large rocks, tumbleweed and a few Joshua trees. To me, it was kind of depressing.
A few hours later, we arrived at our destination. As soon as we drove into the driveway of the motel, my heart leaped within me. The yard was covered with lush, green grass and bright flowers of all sorts and colors were blooming profusely. Rose-colored bougainvillea were in full bloom.
The above verses in Psalm 1 came to mind. Both places, the desolate and the vibrant growth, were in desert climate. What made the difference?
The verdant growth was carefully tended, watered, pruned and fertilized. The desolate desert was not.
People are like that. The next day, while on our morning walk, my husband smiled and greeted an older man. In return, this man swore at us - venom streaming out of his mouth - a desolate soul. I prayed for him as we walked by.
What can we do to keep being fruitful and alive? How can we keep our souls from becoming desolate and lean? Psalm 1:1 gives us a few ways:
1. Don’t go to ungodly people for advice.
2. Don’t hang out with the people who scorn or mock Christians.
3. But delight and meditate on the Bible all the time.
If your soul feels lean or desolate today, evaluate your life. Are you following Psalm 1:1?
Father God, give us a hunger and thirst for Your word and the fellowship of Your people. Amen.
TODAY's Thought: Daily Devotional 
