A Tree Grows In Madrid

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17.7,8

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. Psalm 1.2,3

Today I wept as I stood looking out of my kitchen window. My children love me. They love their Dad. They love each other.

From the front room I heard worship happening. Piano and voice joined to bring praise to Him. My children love Jesus Christ.

"How blessed can a woman be?" I wondered aloud, and broke into tears. I am overwhelmed by His goodness.

Many years ago, as a young woman, I experienced the Lord's blessing in my life, too. We used to sing this song:

"Lord, I live by Your Word.
Lord, I live by every word from Your mouth.
And I am like a tree by a stream,
I am like a tree, my leaf is green,
All that I do is prospering,
Oh, Lord, I live by Your Word."

And I would weep with joy. His Word was true. I had chosen to believe Him and would continue to believe Him. I had trusted Him and would continue to trust Him. I could already see evidence of His presence in my life. I was prospering. My children were a delight to me, even as His Word promised. My life was full. Joy and peace reigned in my heart; my soul prospered.

Now, years later, though trials and sorrows, joys and days of ease, have passed, I stand in my kitchen and declare with tears of joy,

"Lord, I live by Your Word.
Lord, I live by every Word from Your mouth.
And I am like a tree by a stream,
I am like a tree, my leaf is green,
All that I do is prospering,
Oh, Lord, I live by Your Word."

Oh, that all would come to Him and know such deep joy.