Psalm 1:2-3 (MSG): You're a tree replanted in Eden

Psalm 1:2-3 (The Message)

^2-3Instead you thrill to God's Word,
      you chew on Scripture day and night.
You're a tree replanted in Eden,
      bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
      always in blossom.

Oh my - it feels good to be back writing and praying.  I believe I have found a new journey, a new adventure.  I have found that recovery is on-going process which never really ends.  The affliction of addiction is never cured - it needs to be constantly managed.  Although I count my sobriety in weeks and months, instead of days, it still takes the same effort.  So, rather than simply repeating the same journey I will try to complete a new journey, using The Message translation.

Of all the translations of The Bible The Message stands out as unique.  This uniqueness will keep the journey fresh.  It's character stands out immediately in this first Psalm of my journey because it talks about you (and me) specifically.  Where most translations refer generically to the blessed, The Message refers to you.  Yes, you, are blessed, you, are a replanted tree.

Let's look at this metaphor more closely.  You are a replanted tree.  You have been given new life.  Taken from evil and toxic ground around us every day.  Taken from the ground where greed, theft, addiction, and lies fester and thrive.  Planted in the fresh soil of truth, honesty, and God's word.  You now have fresh new life where you are able to bear fruit.  Not unlike a light for God's word, you bear fruit that is intended to be shared with others for the sake of God's glory.  And in the same nature of God's glory you, not some generically blessed person, you are always in bloom.

Lord, thank you for giving us this day - a day that we can have of sobriety.  Be with us in this day that we may be strong in the face of our temptations.  Thank you for giving us psalms so that we can understand what it means to pray to You, be honest with you and rely on You.  Thank you for replanting us in Your word that we may be a light of Your word.  Let our actions authentically represent Your word and Your light.  Let us be a light for those who do not know Your word.  Let us be a light for those without hope, for those addicts who still suffer, or anybody who is need of Your love.  All this we pray in Your sons name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Thanks for letting me share.