Thankful?
I saw a plant growing in a deteriorating container; the edges crumbled outward with the slightest disturbance. A watering can poured water over the plant, but it ran over the sides and further contributed to the crumbling. The sickly plant produced only one frond-like leaf and it was impossible to determine what type of plant it was.
I questioned how can this plant survive if it can’t even tolerate watering? How much time before the pot just collapses?
In contrast, I saw an enormous palm tree with massive leaves that covered a vast area in shade. I marveled at its beauty and the loveliness of other flowers and shrubs I didn’t have names for that surrounded this plant. Looking at these surroundings, waves of contentment and thankfulness for the shade rolled over me. I then questioned what I should learn from these contrasting images.
“I desire you to plant seeds and nurture gardens where I have placed you. Don’t try to create potted plants that you feel you have control over to move wherever you desire, at your slightest whim. No, I desire you to fully possess, plant, and nurture the land that I have placed you in.”
“You need to nurture a deep abiding spot with Me so that you can disciple others. How can you give someone else shelter if you don’t have any yourself? The answer is you can’t.
Consider where I planted you, look around and survey who I have given you to be in a relationship with. Praise Me for the current season you are in and the season that you have left. Fully agree with what I’m doing in your life. Take that time in your abiding spot to take a righteous inventory of the gifts given to you. Then you will taste and see that I am good.”
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Psalm 92:12-13, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God” (ESV)
I’m not sure why, but I am so often stubbornly trying to alter God’s plans for my life. I’m always looking for the next thing instead of being fully present where He has me. This robs me of joy. I know that to combat this problem; I need to concentrate on thankfulness. To be honest, this has not become an automatic thing for me, yet. I know the following verse is true, but I haven’t worked it into my life yet.
“in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, AMP)
Are you a person who praises God in all things? Do you embrace where God planted you and fully engage in each moment of your life?
If so, what is your secret?
Prayer for you and me: Lord, help us flourish where you have planted us. We desire to be content, productive, and even in joy where you desire us to be. Grow thankfulness within us so that we might praise You at every step we take. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
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