Each year as the seasons change, so does the selection of fruit that is available at my local grocery stores. In early summer there are tangy apricots and sweet plums along with nutty peaches and nectarines. As summer passes, though, so do the fruits. By late summer the crispness, even the flavor of these is fading and it is time to switch to something more in turn with the season. Now the succulent oranges and crisp pears arrive, and they take the stage right into autumn. Then, as quickly as they come, they are gone, and my eyes turn to the grand variety of apples. And now with Spring, I enjoy honeydew melons, pineapples, and strawberries! Everything in its season, everything in its appointed time.

Just as each season brings new fruit, we, too, are to produce fruit in each season. The Psalmist tells us that when we make God's word our joy and the center of our lives, we are like a tree planted along the riverbank. We are continually fed by life-giving water; therefore, we are always bearing fruit. By constantly taking in God's word, we are being transformed to His image, and our mind and understanding are conformed to His wisdom. The water of life that we receive, is what we give out to others as well. This is evidence of the fruit we are producing.

Like most trees change with the seasons, we too are continually changing through the experiences that God allows in our lives. At times it may be necessary to undergo pruning in order to grow healthier and produce more fruit. But even in these times of pruning, we are well-grounded and able to withstand all that comes because we are deeply rooted in Christ, and he has all the resources we need to keep us firm.

God will prosper all we do when we continually mediate on His word. This does not always mean material prosperity, but more importantly we will experience spiritual prosperity. Our life will be one that testifies to the work and goodness of God in us. After all, the true measure of success in the life of a Christian is when we stand before God one day and hear the words, "well done my good and faithful servant." May our desire be to soak in God's word and bear good fruit in every season!

Suggested prayer: Dear God, just as healthy trees produce their fruit in each season, help my life produce good fruit that brings you joy. Allow me to grow deeper in faith through every circumstance, and may your Word give me understanding and wisdom. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1. Psalm 1:3.