Psalm 1 depicts two rival sources of wisdom, which result in two radically different outcomes. Those who heed the counsel of the wicked are described as chaff that will one day be carried away with the wind. Those who delight in the law of the Lord are described as a healthy, fruitful tree, firmly rooted by a stream of fresh, flowing water.
Precious Lord Jesus, in this season marked by the coronavirus, we need your encouragement. We’ve never experienced a storm like this before. The hurricane-force winds of the coronavirus make even us who are trees feel like chaff. It can make us feel like we will be uprooted and blown away by this trial, whether because of the frailty of our health, the vulnerability of our loved ones, our financial instability, closed businesses, canceled school years and sports seasons, postponed weddings, or a host of other concerns. With the storm still raging around us, O Lord, we pray, lift our eyes up to heaven. Let us see that you are still on your throne.
As we look to you, O Lord, let our souls be refreshed. You are still with us. You still love us. You still are sovereignly working all things for our good. May we indeed be like the tree of Psalm 1. May we drink in your wisdom like the roots drink in water. May your peace prosper in us like a tree whose leaves do not wither. May your love blossom in us like a tree bearing fruit. Lord, let us remain rooted in you. And we know, that whatever shall pass, we will come to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. To You, O Lord, be the glory, now and forever, amen.
