“He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3, CSB)

It’s gardening season. I can remember as a child, that my father would take us to the backyard in April/May and he would till the ground. Then he would plant various rows of plants.

I remember when it was gardening season because he would take me to Baskin Robbins. He would ask the manager for the buckets that he used in gardening tomatoes. Getting to eat an ice cream cone was a bonus.

We would return home to punch out the bottom of the cardboard ice cream containers. These containers worked well when planting tomatoes. We would go out and we would plant a tomato seed and place the container around the seed.

After some time, Dad would go out and replace the container with metal fence posts, wrapped with chicken wire. As time passed, we would see red ripe tomatoes in season.

If you want to have a great harvest in the garden, you must work the ground and plant the seeds well. You must wait on the rains and watch as the fruit grows.

The same is true in life.

If you want to see prosperity in life, you need to plant your life in God’s Word, the Bible. If you spend time reading, meditating, and reflecting God’s Word, it is like planting a seed.

God’s Spirit, like flowing rain, will nourish your soul. The effort will produce fruit in your life. Reading the Bible may help you know God better. It may help you get answers to life’s questions.

The Bible can provide practical guidance for your finances, family and friendships if you pay attention. The Bible can help give you peace when you feel anxious and lift you up when you feel down.

No matter what season of life you are in, plant yourself in God’s Word, and see God prosper whatever you do.

Jim Erwin is the pastor at Washburn 1st Baptist Church, located at 618 N. 2nd St. in Washburn. He may be reached at 417-826-5000.