Behind the scenes:

Planted by the Rivers of Water, the first in the series that introduces my protagonist, is based on the promises of Psalm One. This short psalm consists of six verses; they list the consequences of the righteous man who chooses to live by God’s law; he will be blessed, in contrast to the consequences of the ungodly man who chooses to live by his own passions and desires; he will be cursed.

The first three verses of Psalm One are devoted to the righteous man who is careful not to walk, stand or sit in the path of sinners. This is an admonition to all men and women of faith of the danger of prolonged or constant contact with those who do not share their system of values. Little by little (walk, stand then sit) men may be deceived and enticed into a destructive lifestyle. The psalmist does not admonish us to utterly retreat from the world; we are called to be salt and light, but rather to be wary of maintaining any close associations with those who might then exert an undue influence (counsel) over us and lead us astray.

The righteous must devote their time to meditation of God’s Word and absorb His counsel. If he listens to and obeys that counsel he will find a life that is abundantly fruitful. This does not mean he will not encounter trials or tribulations, but rather that he will be able to endure them when they occur, and he will persevere through them because of his faith and trust in God.

In contrast to the righteous, the ungodly devote their time to the pursuit of their own particular lusts or pleasures. This does not mean he is persistently wicked or that he is never kind or generous, but rather that his deeds and generosity do not merit the approval of God. They are instead like the chaff that is blown away when grain is winnowed: worthless.

Ultimately, at the end of time, the righteous and the wicked will stand before God to be judged; the righteous will go on to eternal bliss and the ungodly to perdition.

Psalm 1:1-6
1-Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2-But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3-And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4-The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5-Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6-For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. KJV