Rise and Reign: Living as a Tree Planted by Rivers of Water

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live a victorious Christian life? The answer lies in understanding how to rise above our circumstances and reign in life through Christ. This powerful truth is beautifully illustrated in Psalm 1, where we see the image of a tree planted by rivers of water - deeply rooted, well-nourished, and bearing fruit in season.

What Does It Mean to Reign in Life?

Romans 5:17 tells us that "those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one Jesus Christ." This isn't just a future promise - it's a present reality for believers who understand how to walk in God's ways.

To reign in life means to take dominion over our circumstances rather than being dominated by them. It means rising above the flesh, the world's influence, and the enemy's schemes to live in the victory Christ has already won for us.

The Three Keys to Rising and Reigning

1. Forsake: Turning Away from the World's Counsel

Psalm 1:1 describes someone who is blessed because they don't "walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful." This person has made a deliberate choice to forsake the world's way of thinking and living.

Understanding the Inner War

Within every believer is an inner war between the flesh and the spirit. Galatians 5:17 explains that "the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another." Our purpose is to rise above this conflict and take command.

The flesh acts like "the ally within of the darkness without" - it's constantly giving us advice that opposes God's will. This is why we must daily choose to crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit.

The Power of Repentance

Repentance is a key that opens the door for God to enter our lives more fully. It's not just saying sorry - it's a complete turning away from our old ways and toward God's ways. When we repent, we create space for God to work in our hearts and transform us from the inside out.

Choosing God's Path Over the World's

We live in a culture that opposes God at every turn. The world says "do whatever makes you happy," but God calls us to a higher standard. We must recognize the urgency of eternity and choose to live according to His Word rather than cultural norms.

2. Saturate: Immersing Ourselves in God's Word and Presence

Psalm 1:2 shows us the positive side of the blessed person's life: "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night." This person doesn't just read God's Word occasionally - they are saturated in it.

Letting God's Word Rule Our Being

What God has spoken on the page and within our hearts should govern and rule our entire being. If we're not allowing God's Word to rule us, then our emotions will rule us instead. While feelings are good, they make terrible leaders.

When we saturate ourselves in God's Word, it begins to transform how we think, speak, and act. The written Word works together with the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

The Power of Prayer and God's Presence

When we shut the door in prayer, culture loses its voice and God's presence reigns. Matthew 6:6 instructs us to "enter into that closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret."

There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. We must spend time alone with God, allowing His presence to saturate our hearts and minds. This is where transformation happens and where we receive the strength to live victoriously.

Becoming Spiritually Sensitive

As God's Word fills us, we grow more sensitive to the life of our new nature. Isaiah 30:21 speaks of "a voice behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it." The Holy Spirit within us wants to guide and direct our steps, but we must be spiritually sensitive to hear His voice.

3. Dominate: Bearing Fruit and Prospering in God's Kingdom

Psalm 1:3 gives us the beautiful result of forsaking the world and saturating ourselves in God: "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."

Becoming Fertile Soil for Spiritual Fruit

When we allow God's Word to rule and reign in our lives, we become fertile soil for spiritual fruit. Our roots grow deep into Christ, and our faith becomes strong and unshakeable.

Like a tree planted by rivers of water, we have constant access to the nourishment we need to thrive spiritually. This isn't dependent on our circumstances but on our connection to the Source.

Standing Strong Through Challenges

Being planted by God doesn't stop challenges from coming, but it equips us to stand and reign through them. The verse says "his leaf also shall not wither" - even when the heat comes, even when storms blow, we remain strong because our source is in God.

Everyone who desires to live godly in Christ Jesus will face persecution and trials, but these don't have to defeat us. They simply prove that we belong to Him and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Walking in Divine Prosperity

The promise is clear: "whatever he does shall prosper." This isn't just financial prosperity - it's divine success in every area of life. When we're rooted in God's Word and walking in His ways, He causes us to succeed according to His purposes.

This prosperity comes through faith in action. We must speak God's Word over our situations and circumstances, using the sword of the Spirit to fight the good fight of faith.

The Season of Harvest

There's a season for every believer - a time when the fruit of our faithfulness becomes evident. However, "a season of harvest often eludes those whose roots have not grown deep." We can actually speed up these seasons by putting emphasis on God's Word and presence in our lives.

God has pre-positioned blessings for us to experience, but we must align ourselves with His spiritual laws and principles. This happens through consistent time in His Word, prayer, and walking in obedience to His voice.

Life Application

This week, commit to implementing the three keys of rising and reigning in your daily life. Choose one area where you need to forsake the world's counsel and turn fully to God. Establish a daily time for saturating yourself in God's Word and presence - perhaps setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier to spend time with Him before your day begins. Finally, identify one area where you need to dominate through faith, speaking God's Word over your situation instead of agreeing with negative circumstances.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What worldly counsel or influence do I need to forsake in order to walk more closely with God?

• How can I create more time and space to be saturated in God's Word and presence?

• In what area of my life do I need to start speaking God's Word and exercising faith to see His promises fulfilled?

• What would change in my life if I truly believed that I'm called to reign in life through Christ Jesus?

Remember, you're not called to merely survive this life - you're called to thrive as a tree planted by rivers of water, bearing fruit in season and prospering in everything you do according to God's will.