Finding Strength in Spiritual Resilience

The Power of Words

Sometimes, a line grabs you at just the right moment. Most of us have felt this. You’re driving to work, and a song lyric like Louis Armstrong’s “I see skies of blue” makes you unexpectedly misty-eyed. Or perhaps a Pixar movie reminds you, through Dory, to “Just keep swimming.” It’s a simple phrase that reassures you that life will be okay. Maybe it’s Galadriel telling Frodo, “Even the smallest person can change the world.” In that moment, you feel empowered, ready to conquer anything. Words have that power. They stir our imaginations and enrich our souls. This passage from the first Psalm does that for me.

The Tree Metaphor

It begins with a tree. How lovely that God chose such a perfect metaphor. I can picture myself on the hiking trails along the Blue River in Indiana, craning my neck to gaze up at the massive sycamores with their grey and white bark. I can close my eyes and breathe in the scent of a giant pine in Spokane, Washington. Suddenly, I’m leaning against a California redwood. Then, I’m in the Boundary Waters, marveling at endless shades of green. What is it about these creations that moves us so profoundly?

Resilience of Trees

Trees are resilient. They withstand rain, wind, and blizzards. They survive the seasons and thrive on the changes those seasons bring. Sure, a tree may drop its leaves in the fall, as God designed it to do. But you won’t hear the tree complain. You won’t hear a yellow maple whine about the evergreen in the neighbor’s yard keeping its needles. Despite the winds of change, trees stand tall. They point to the sky, declaring that God is on His throne and that His world is wonderful. Even a tree may clap its hands in worship.

The Deeper Meaning

Yet, the opening passage of Psalms isn’t just about trees. It’s about people. It’s about you and me. It’s about a soul that has weathered life’s storms but continues to sink its roots into something bigger. That’s the type of person who yields beautiful fruit. Notice how the lines mention where the tree is planted—by a stream of water—along with its fruit and leaves. These are lovely metaphors for what our lives produce and how we impact others. Little attention is given to the tree itself. I wonder if this is God’s subtle reminder that Jesus comes first. He is the living water that sustains us. Others come next. As the old children’s Sunday school lesson teaches, it’s J.O.Y.: first Jesus, then Others, then Yourself.

Embracing Rhythms of Rest

Have you ever wondered why an apple tree doesn’t grow apples all year? They always produce them in the fall, right around harvest time. Strange, isn’t it? Perhaps this is a clever reminder from the Lord that He designed creation to live within rhythms of rest. This reminder is increasingly important in our culture of workaholism and performance. We would all benefit from living more like the apple tree, creating space in our year, week, and day to rest. As my pastor often says, sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.

The Challenge of Rest

For some of us, that’s easier said than done. It’s not just about the nap itself. It’s the idea that if I lie down in the middle of the day, I’m avoiding tasks. I’m missing out. What if we embraced the rhythms God has set up? What if I could truly stop everything, take a nap, and the world wouldn’t crumble around me? For some, it’s a test of faith.

Understanding Prosperity

The lines end with a shocking truth: He is prosperous in all he does? Really? Does that mean I will win the lottery today? The answer is no. That’s not the type of prosperity the Lord intends for most of us. We often associate “prosper” with getting rich or personal performance. We can allow God to renew our minds to see what He’s really saying. God wants more than for me to win a pile of money. He wants to give me a full life. A life of wholeness that is so steady that no storm can uproot it. Wowza!

The Pursuit of Contentment

How I long for that type of satisfaction in life. To know that no matter my job, car, or reputation, I can be content in the Lord, knowing He is enough. Have you ever met someone who lives like that? I have, many times in my journey as a Chaplain. People like that amaze me. Their lives are like novels waiting for anyone to step into their story. I imagine we would all love to be that type of person. But is it possible? Not according to the Psalmist.

The Delight in God’s Teachings

If we peek at the next verse, we see what drives all of this:

…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

-Psalms 1:2

Some may balk at the word “law.” It might seem like yet another set of rules we must follow. Instead, think of it as God’s teachings. This isn’t God handing us a list of “dos and don’ts.” It’s a reference to walking in His ways. When we walk in faith and obedience to the Lord, our roots go deep into God Himself. We are rooted in the Living Word, Jesus, who keeps us alive and offers us wholeness. That’s what God has to offer us: true life. A life that bears fruit as we learn to trust God and love others well.

The Impact of Reflection

It’s incredible how much a few lines can impact us when we meditate on them. Whether it’s an old jazz lyric or a verse from the Word of God, we are shaped by the words we take in. I’m reminded of Peter's question to Jesus: “Lord, where would we go, for you have the Word of life?”

Peter, you hit the nail on the head, friend.

If you need a comfortable place to process such thoughts and wonders, there is space for you. I would be honored to accompany you on your journey with Him.

Peace to you,

— Rob