Planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare, “The Lord is just;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.â€�¹

Over the last few years, I have come to really like plants. When I first got married, I wanted to have a plant or two to brighten up my home, but somehow they never thrived under my watch. Either I would overwater them or forget about them altogether and before I knew it, I would have a sad looking, withered, or dried-up pile of leaves that would leave me feeling a little sad myself. I gave up on the idea for a while, until one day, about ten years later, I came across a cute little, leafy plant in a hanging basket while in the grocery store. Her outstretched leaves seem to say, “take me with you�, and so I did! This plant has now been with me through four moves and has miraculously survived! She has quite literally grown with my children. Over the years, I noticed that this plant has adapted to my moods; it’s curious, really. A few years ago, I found myself battling a bout of depression, during which my plant just looked sad and discolored. Her branches were thin and unhealthy no matter the vitamins I treated her soil with. After a while, as I got better, I noticed my plant began to thrive again. This once small plant has survived my inadequate care and is a constant reminder of God’s mercy on my life.

It’s no wonder that God often uses plants and trees in His Word to illustrate our spiritual growth. Apart from God we are sad-looking and wilted. But when we spend time in His Word and in prayer; when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill and nurture us, it is then that we thrive and grow. When we get too busy or excuses of busyness fill our day and we don’t have time for even a few minutes with the Lord, it is then that we become discolored and weak. Then, instead of watering our roots with Living Water, we seek to water ourselves with other people’s words. But, when we focus on how God keeps giving us grace, we begin to flourish again, and that “moodâ€� will in turn affect those around us â€"maybe even the plants! Ground your roots in Jesus and watch how you thrive in His courts. I especially like the part that says that even in their old age…they will still be healthy and green; always declaring the Lord’s righteousness!

Suggested Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Word holds promises for my life that I long to be watered with. Help me to stay rooted in You that I may grow and flourish with the Living Water that is You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Psalm 92:12-15 (CSB).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.