Daily Devotion: Planted And Flourishing

Scripture:
Psalm 92

Main Verses:
Psalm 92: 12-15
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. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him."

Observation:
The author of Psalm 92 tells us that when we remain in the Lord, our growth as a Christian is certain. We will grow without fail. But before we bear any fruit, we will go through the stages of growth. No tree ever bears fruit without going throught the various stages of plant development. A seed first germinates, then grows leaves and roots, becomes a seedling and grows into a sturdy tree eventually. But what really holds a tree in its place in the soil is its sturdy roots. It is the same with our relationship with the Father. When our roots are firmly attached to the Source of our nourishment, we will surely grow because the Lord feeds our spirit. The storms of this life will come, and we will be exposed to harsh situations, but we will only flourish and bear fruit and remain fresh and green if our faith is deeply rooted in the Lord.

Application:
In my farm, I have observed that not all seedlings that I have transplanted thrive or flourish. Some seedlings grow into tall and mighty trees, while others have a stunted growth. If I do not feed these undergrown seedlings with fertilizers and bioorganic pesticides, they will not have deep roots and might die. I have realized that the Lord has the same intention for all of us. He wants us to have deep roots, but the only way we can develop our roots is if we remain in Him. And if we do, the Lord will surely take care of us. He will nourish our spirit and feed us so we will flourish and blossom.

Prayer:
Lord, please keep my roots firmly attached to you. And when I am beginning to grow weak, restore me, oh Lord, so I may receive the nourishment I need to continue to flourish and blossom and bear fruit. Help me overcome the weeds that may come and choke me, those that may hinder me from growing. This I pray in your Mighty Name. AMEN.