“Chrysanthemum wilted.”

This is my very favorite line from the children’s book, Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Wilkes.

In the story, Chrysanthemum begins school believing in the beauty of her name only to have her spirit crushed by the teasing of the other children.  “Chrysanthemum wilted” describes her response. 

I can see this and feel this, because there have been days and times that I have wilted, too.  Times when enduring ongoing conflict seemed more than I could bear.  Times when the day’s demands outlasted my energy.  Times when my motives were questioned, and my character was challenged.  Times when hopelessness outweighed hope and darkness threatened to shut out the light.

Dry times.  Hard times. Discouraging times.

Like Chrysanthemum, I wilted. 

Wilting is not a pleasant experience.  It brings to mind the flower, thirsty for water, that droops over the side of the pot.  If it doesn’t get water soon, it will not survive.

What can we do to prevent and survive wilting?  God has some resources for us.

1. Meditate (think) on God’s Word.

We think about a lot of things during each day.  Many of these things do not provide strength; instead they cause drought in our souls. In the story about Chrysanthemum, she wilted because she was listening to the wrong voices.  We can trust what God has to say. His Word sustains and enriches. 

Psalm 1:2, 3 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.  ³And 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.

God’s Word has the power to strengthen our souls and to prepare us for times when wilting might occur.  It is a powerful resource for us.

2. Commit your way to God.

There are many things in this life that I do not understand, but I know that God has a plan for me.  He will provide what I need as I follow Him.

Psalm 16:8-9 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.   Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalm 18:32 It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect.

3. Wait for God’s timing.

We are impatient creatures who want what we want when we want it.  God calls us to trust the timetable to Him, knowing that He desires the best for us.

Psalm 27:13, 14 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

4. Practice Praise.

Praise lifts us above our circumstances into the presence of God.  When we choose to praise, we are choosing to trust His way.  We are looking beyond what our eyes can see to where faith calls us. 

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

5. Focus on the good.

There are many things in this life to catch our attention.  Where we choose to focus will help determine how inclined we are to wilt.  We are in charge of our thoughts, and we can choose to look for the good and the right in each day.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

So, if you are feeling a bit wilted today, open the Book, and spend some time there. The verses in this post are just a miniscule sampling of the riches there.  Commit your life and your way to God.  Wait for Him to answer your prayers and praise Him as you wait. And check out where your thoughts are.  What is something good or beautiful you saw today.  Think on these things.

Jude ²⁴ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, ²⁵ To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.