“The righteous . . planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish.” Psalm 92:13 NIV.
In Christ, there is life that flourishes, prospers, and succeeds.
My thoughts and comments today are about “flourish.”
When a newborn struggles physically, it is described as, “a failure to thrive – a condition in which an infant’s weight gain and growth are far below usual levels for age.” If that is not corrected, there are resulting health problems which can become a threat to its life. That description fits a lot of adults as well. They fail to thrive, even when having every opportunity and reason to do so.
In contrast, there are people who always seems to thrive. Wherever you put them, they do well. Where others struggle, they somehow prosper and succeed. Read Matthew 13:18-23 NKJV. That is not just coincidence or good fortune, nor even talent or skills alone. Their success seems to come from who they are, from a source more internal than external. Though there are many factors that may contribute: like diligence, hard work, sacrifice, and other similar traits, the internal qualities of attitude, confidence, expectation and perseverance are certainly central.
Learn to thrive, doing well even when circumstances are otherwise adverse. I love the simple greeting from Paul, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household” – slaves and servants in the palace of the corrupt Caesar, but saints! People thriving in adverse circumstances. Someone popularized the idea, “Bloom where you are planted,” describing a practical way you can choose and contribute to a life that thrives. You may not be planted where you wish, but whatever your situation, make the wise choice to thrive.
The word describing such abounding is: “flourish – to grow luxuriantly: to be in a state of productivity: to reach a height of development or influence.” “The righteous shall flourish . . those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and [grow luxuriantly].” Psalm 92:12-14 NKJV. Luxuriant should describe your life – your marriage, your family, your career, and your relationship with God and others. By the way, “flourish” comes from Latin and French words for “flower.”
God knows where and how you will best flourish. He made you; He knows what works best for you. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 NAS. At the least, Jesus’ words suggest a vital, intimate, continual, and growing connectedness. Notice the unfolding progression from: “fruit, to more fruit, to much fruit, and to fruit that remains.” Those describe a flourishing life.
In Christ, there is life that flourishes, prospers, and succeeds. “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” See Colossians 3:1-4 NIV. Realize where you need to be planted, and abide there. Get connected to the right Source and abundant Supply (See John 10:10), and maintain that connection. Our God is life, and makes your life flourish! See Psalm 91:1-16 NIV.
My prayer for you today is that life is abundant with good, and blessed with the eternal.