Planted by the Riverbank

Our newest blog post comes from our teammate Beth, a member care provider whose love for contemplative practice, prayer and Scripture has been a quiet gift to our team and partners alike. In this post, Beth draws from Psalm 1 with the kind of insight that slows you down and invites you to breathe. 
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‘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.”
Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT)​

Psalm 1 has been a cornerstone of my formation as I’ve learned how to follow Jesus. Verse one has never failed to provide guidance in my decisions around choosing behaviors and choosing friends. It became our family’s banner Psalm. I wanted to be that tree in verse two. I connected the actions laid out in verse one to becoming strong, fruitful, and steadfast. The Lord has not failed me. As a first generation Jesus follower with a messed-up background, He has grown me in faith, fruitfulness and steadfastness.
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Lately my spirit has been drawn to the phrase “planted by the riverbank.” I am certainly not a theologian, but I’ve wondered why the phrase is there. I always thought of the actions in verse one as the things I should focus on, and as an action-oriented person I have appreciated the to-do’s found there. I’m not minimizing their importance in spiritual formation. But what about that “planted by the riverbank”? As I have wondered about that phrase, I’ve become certain that it wasn’t randomly thrown in for artistic flair.

First, I have a question: who planted? Was the location of my planting intentional or random? I’ll leave this for theologians to arm wrestle over. All I know is that I am amazed at the kindness of God to have protected me from being uprooted when I was a seedling. Then, why the word “the” river, not “a” river? Again, I’m not qualified to say with certainty, but when I pondered this question Jesus reminded me that He is the source of living water. I believe that the river in this Psalm is the river of living water. John 7:38 records Jesus saying, “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink, for the scriptures declare 'rivers of living water will flow from his
heart'." Since the Psalmist notes that the tree is planted by “the river” not just “a river,” I believe that this is pointing to Jesus. He tells us that He is the living water that will permanently sustain us (John 4).

As I’ve meditated on this little phrase, another question arose. What was the psalmist’s intent in adding the “planted by the river” phrase? I’ve realized a certainty that has rattled my action-oriented self: that tree is thriving from a place of rest. It was planted by the river, and then it just stood there. Roots slowly and steadily growing towards the water drawing from its sustenance that allowed it to grow stronger over the years, enduring droughts and storms. The tree doesn’t strive, yet it has lush evergreen leaves and never fails to bear fruit. It bears witness to the glory of its Creator. All the while just soaking in the living water. Take a minute, imagine the picture of this tree in its strength and beauty. With strength drawn from the river’s living water it has become a refuge, providing food and shelter to other creatures.

Looking back over the past few years, I realize that I have been drawing from “the river” in my life with Jesus. I’ve begun to walk through scripture, drinking slowly and deeply, rather than a faster grab-and-go approach. I’m practicing being still in solitude and emptying my mind and heart of the swirling thoughts that crowd out my just being with Jesus. As I meditate on one small part of scripture (often from a Psalm), I breathe, rest, and make space for the Lord. In this posture, my prayers are short, but my listening is long. And I rest. You know the picture of John leaning to rest against his beloved Jesus during their last meal together? That’s how I want to be. Resting, listening, loving.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Thank you for the gift of living water that flows from Your heart. Help me to drink deeply, end my striving, and rest in your love. Help me to be at peace, holy Spirit of the living Christ, in this restless world. Amen.

​Written by Beth Bradley