Seasonal Fruit Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3) I’m so grateful that God’s Word is living and active. Though I’ve read this passage many times, something new captured my attention when it came up in my reading plan. It was the phrase “in its season” – referring to the bearing of fruit. As I read those words, and even now as I write, several inches of snow and ice have buried much of our state under a blanket of glistening white, forcing a halt to many activities and an abrupt shift for most of us into a slower gear. Nothing outside is bearing fruit at the moment. As believers with the Holy Spirit inside us, we are rightfully expected to bear fruit. It’s what identifies us as followers of Christ, and it’s the natural effect of abiding in Him. In the passage above, the psalmist is describing one who is blessed, walking in wisdom, delighting in and meditating on the law of God continually. He says this person is like a healthy tree planted near water. And yet, even in these ideal circumstances, the fruit comes in its season . There’s a cycle to it, and that’s by design. I see this pattern in my own life. When we joined a new church family, it was ages before I understood what my purpose was in that space. In deep suffering or trial, there were times when the most I could manage was to get out of bed and stumble through the day. What if those times of trial or hard waiting are like snow on top of the green? The promise is that He will bring the fruit in season , at the right time. What about you? Are you in a season of fruitfulness in your walk? Thank God for this! We should never take for granted the opportunity He gives us to participate in His kingdom work. But if your answer is no or you’re unsure, let me encourage you to continue to walk in faithfulness. Get up, be with God’s people, lean into His Word, ask Him for direction. He is faithful. Things are happening under the ground, even if there’s snow on top. Plant yourself by a stream of living water and trust Him… the fruit will come. By Lori Barkley Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon. They have two daughters, Brynn and Katy.