Like a Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water

Flo was referred to Hospice for terminal cancer when she was in her sixties. She lived alone, was widowed and had no children. She was soft spoken, modest and maybe even a little shy. She didn’t like being the center of attention and didn’t talk much about herself or her illness. She was thankful and didn’t seem to take anything for granted. Her life was simple and her possessions modest, but she was content. Her contentment amazed, puzzled and convicted me. How could she be so content with such a simple life? Even her terminal illness didn’t seem to disturb her peace. There was a deep, quiet strength about Flo. What was her secret? I really wanted to know, so I asked, “Flo, what enables you cope so well? What do you do?” She replied, “I don’t know. I don’t do anything special.” But after a few more seconds of contemplation she added, “Well, there is something I do. I’ve read one chapter of the Bible every day for 20 years. I write five things down in a notebook after reading each chapter; God’s message to me, a promise from God, a command to keep, a timeless example, and my prayer.”

Flo slowly arose from her chair and said, “I’ll be right back”. When she returned from the back room, her thin arms were grasping a small cardboard box filled with spiral notebooks. There must have been ten to fifteen notebooks in there. She pulled one out and shared some of her journaling. I felt so privileged for her to share her personal thoughts and feelings with me. I felt like I was on holy ground, and I was; for the hearts, souls and minds of all men are holy ground. Flo handed me one of her journals, and as I scanned through the pages, I noticed that her prayers all started out with, “Lord Jesus, thank you for a good nights rest and for living to see another day.” I told Flo that I was impressed and inspired by her dedication and discipline. Then Flo exclaimed, “Oh, these aren’t all my notebooks. I have several other boxes full in the other room.” Her deep quiet strength was no longer a mystery.

Flo’s life is a living legacy of God’s promise presented to us in the first Psalm: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…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…”

I encourage you to embark upon your own personal adventure of routine Bible study. Many people have difficulty getting started because they lack direction. You’ll notice that Flo had a well defined plan. You might consider adopting Flo’s plan or I’d be happy to send you a guide that I synthesized from an excellent book titled, “Living by the Book” by Howard and William Hendricks. The guide will lead you through a step-by-step process of observation, interpretation and application. If interested, you can contact me by e-mail at hardinl@somc.org and I will e-mail or mail you a copy.