So, I’ve been meditating on the word “flourish” lately and came across a section of scripture that had me totally excited. As I was reading these scriptures all I could hear was “Planted you will flourish.”
Planted you will flourish.
What does that even mean? Planted where? Planted how? Why planted? So many questions come to mind when I see that phrase but wait let me backup. Let me give you the scriptures I’ve been meditating on:
The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. [They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Psalm 92:12-15 AMPC
But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].
Psalm 1: 2-3 AMPC
Every year I take some time to think about the year to come and ask God for a word to focus my year. Now I usually do that closer to the end of the year but with my last quarterly review (Be RARE: https://sonjaw.com/be-rare) I felt the urge to start thinking about 2022 early and previous to that, while praying, I kept hearing the Word flourish– but of course I didn’t really research it then. Well during my quarterly review God was like you gonna pay attention to this Word, ma’am! (BTW, when that happens for me it’s like a record on repeat or the impression that I must focus on this particular thing).
Finally, I took a moment to really look at this word and find it in the Bible (always check your urges, desires, impressions against the Word) and low and behold there is a lot about flourishing (and trees) in there haha! But I landed on those two sections of scripture above and they spoke so much to me I had to share.
People who flourish are planted. They are consistent. They are focused. They are planted in God’s presence, His principles (His Word), and His purpose.
So let’s dive in!
Planted in His Presence
Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
Psalm 92: 13
To flourish we must spend time in His presence. It’s that time in His presence that allows you to hear from God and learn the plans He has for us. Jeremiah 33:3 says that He will tell us secret things. He also says He has great plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11-13) and the only way we’ll find them is if we seek after Him.
Planted in His Principles (law; promises)
But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].
Psalm 1:3
There are so many promises and also directions on how to live in the Bible so why not study His Word to understand and grow? One of my favorite verses is Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to use wisely all the time we have” and it is really the basis of SonjaW Coaching! My goal is to help us truly use wisely all the time we have and that starts with His Word. God has so many amazing promises and ways of life in His Word. Did you know the Bible gives us investment advice? Yes!!!! It does! So as we plant ourselves in His principles His Word guarantees that we will prosper and that we will continue to bring forth fruit.
Planted in His Purpose
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
God has made us for good works! Period. That dream and desire in your heart is something God placed there for you to do. We have to have a focus, a purpose to all that we do. If not we’re just running around doing things and never being satisfied with the outcome. He’s given us unique gifts and talents to complete the work He had for us and we must work to cultivate and build from that.
Now I know what you’re saying: “Sonja this is all well and good but how in the world can I implement these things in my life? What is this even supposed to look like?” Well, let me get practical for ya! It’s simple. It’s work but it’s simple and it is so purposeful.
So let’s go backwards.
Planted in His Purpose
This happens when you take the time to understand that your purpose is tied to God’s grand scheme of drawing everyone back to Him but your specific purpose is tied to how you were made! What makes you tick? What gets on your nerves? What’s the easy thing you just do and are always confused when others struggle with it? Those are clues to purpose! And the way to making sure you get clear and do more than just feel good about it is getting it all down in a Life Plan. Life Plans are your lifeline. They help keep focused on how you will fulfill your desires and dreams.
Planted in His Principles
When we are planted in His principles we can’t help but do well. He says that those who are planted in His Principles, His law, they will be planted by streams (His spirit) and will bear fruit. It’s through living by His promises and His Word that we see the fruit we desire. Let’s take it even further. A principle is a standard we live by right? Well if we live by standards (I suggest God’s standard and His Word lol) and we are intentional about it we will see fruit. I see it as being intentional about the areas of life that matter. We should have standards we live by in six major areas of our lives: Relationship with God, our health, our mind, our family, our friends, and our finances. Once we establish those principles we have the opportunity to build a life worth living and you’ll have margin to actually starting building your dream.
Planted in His Presence
This is the one that takes the cake! When you spend time in God’s presence you gain insight you need to fulfill your wildest endeavors. Jeremiah 33:3 says that if you call to God He will teach you hidden things. In proverbs 25:2 it say it’s the glory of God to hide a matter but the glory of kings to search it out. I think getting this part is the key to success! When you spend time in worship and praise your ear is tuned in and you’ll finally hear what God is saying about your life and business.
I talk a little more about it on my Youtube Channel as well. Check this video out and let me know what your word of the year is or how you are going to flourish this year?Embed the video
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