April 2018 - Painting a Picture of Hope
Dear Friends,
How do you learn a new thing? I know that I’m a visual learner. I love to read stories that paint a picture to help me understand the message. Jesus was a master storyteller. He painted pictures throughout the Scriptures using stories to help us understand a message of truth, freedom, and transformation.
The Bible is filled with pictures painted through words that lead us on a journey of hope for eternity. As we continue this year going deeper in the Bible, Psalm 1:1-3 paints a beautiful picture of hope for us.
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
This passage reveals a path toward a transformed life through a life that delights in and meditates on God’s Word every day. It shows us what really matters to God. It helps us know how to pray for our sisters who are suffering.
The psalmist is saying here that blessed is the woman who has a relationship with God. Blessed is the woman who longs for intimacy with God. She is like a tree planted by streams of water. She not only is a beautiful tree, but her roots of faith and strength are deep.
When we live intimate lives with God and are rooted in the Word of God, our lives are like strong trees planted by streams of water. We can walk through the difficulties and storms of life with hope for a brighter future.
Cling to Jesus and his Word for your hope today. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter to God. Place your trust in him and give him your best today.