Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

In the fall, deciduous trees lose their leaves and turn into seemingly lifeless gray skeletons. As winter arrives, temperatures drop, and cold winds blow, ice and snow transform the landscape until spring starts to bloom.

During the starkness of winter, the evergreen trees become more prominent and noticeable. Even during the most severe storms, these rugged evergreens show off their greenness in an otherwise bland white-and-gray environment.

In this passage of Scripture, the Lord promises that if you maintain a close, intimate, daily relationship with Him and walk in His ways, He will make you a spiritual evergreen tree in the forest of humanity. Your leaf shall not wither. No matter what your season in life, youth or old age, poor or wealthy times, sickness or health, freezing cold or scorching heat, calm air or storms, through it all, the Holy Spirit will give you a spiritual abundance and strength that will inspire and encourage those around you.

No matter what your season in life is today, be faithful to the Lord. If you are going through difficult times, trust Him. Obey this Scripture. Continue to drink from the living waters. Difficult times are when others will marvel at your supernatural ability to be an evergreen tree, and ask about the hope that lies within.

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1. Have you ever been helped and strengthened by trusting in God during difficult times? What did you go through at that time?

2. In your daily life, how do you establish and maintain a connection with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and other means?

3. Has your faith journey also gone through different seasons? Looking back, in what areas do you see your spiritual growth?