DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalms 1:3

     Verse three moves us from the downhill guy to the happy guy.  Blessed is the man who does not walk, stand, and sit in the wrong place.  He is like a tree planted by the rivers of water.

     In West Virginia there is a beautiful man made lake near the mountain town of Summersville.  The shore line is made up of rock cliffs that stretch up out of the crystal clear waters of the lake.  The dam is earthen and the water is released through a system of three huge valves.  When the valves are open an enormous spray of water shoots into the valley below the dam.  All around the base of the dam the trees and under brush are lush and thick because of the constant spray of water.

     Every time I think of that valley I am reminded of this tree that is planted by the rivers of water.  The child of God who avoids the downhill slide mentioned in verses one and two will be strong and rooted in the Truth.

     The drop out rate in the church is high.  Some churches need a revolving door because of the stream of people coming in and going out.  Why?  No strength.  Do you know how to get this needed strength?  Avoid the regression, be strong and God’s happiness will be yours.