Dry, hot weather has ruled this summer where I live. Scorching days that caused the flowers to wilt and some to die.
While I tried to keep them watered, there were periods of time when this wasn’t possible. I would leave home saying good by to a garden of robust blooming plants and return home to plants stressed by the heat. Blooms were forgotten.
The plants survived, but I noticed a pattern.
When I was able to water regularly, the plants flourished and bloomed. When the watering was sporadic, the first thing lost was the blooms.
Water – blooms. No water – no blooms.
I think there may be a lesson for me there.
When I go for periods of time without spending time with God, it affects my ability to bloom. I am still His child, but I am not very beautiful.
The watering that comes from church attendance, though it helps and is important, is not enough to keep me blooming. I need the daily refreshing water from God’s Word to fill my soul. Only then can His Spirit bear His fruit in me. Only then do I bloom.
Blooming isn’t something that I can force; it comes from God’s work in my heart and life. So, if I am not blooming, not displaying the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, I better check my water supply. Am I allowing God to water my heart by spending time with Him?
In the scorching trials of these days, I’m afraid that many Christians are surviving without blooming because of a spiritual drought. How easy to get caught there.
The solution, too, is easy. Spend time with the Living Water. Drink from His fountain.
Blooms will come!
John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Psalm 36:9 For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.
Photo – Speckled Petunia, Leslie Moon
Last year we had drought and our apple tree had very small aples that turned to something like chewing on wood…we do need our daily (everlasting)water
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure. It doesn’t take long for our spirits to shrivel without it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just as I love waterfalls, babbling brooks, and fountains, I love coming to God’s Word each morning to be refreshed and strengthened! During my working years, that meant going to bed 45 minutes earlier in the evening so I could get up 45 minutes earlier in the morning. It was well worth it! (Now I enjoy the luxury of longer quiet times–a delightful gift of retirement.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, too, enjoy the opportunity of spending unhurried time in His Word. No better way to begin my day!
LikeLiked by 1 person