How to Flourish

“The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless his people Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
he will bless those who fear the Lord—
small and great alike.

May the Lord cause you to flourish,
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 115:12-15

Can you sing this Psalm with confidence or was it written for someone else? Is your life flourishing for both you and your loved ones? Do you feel small or great?

Right now I feel like I’m fighting to flourish and I’m watching my children and loved ones endure many struggles. I believe God but feel like an imposter singing someone else’s song.

What we see with our natural eyes and what we feel with our very real emotions doesn’t change this truth that the Maker of heaven and earth is the source of increase and blessings for all who fear Him, small and great alike.

At the root of all my prayers this season is one desire, to live a fruitful life. I want my life and the lives of those entrusted to me to flourish in a way that there is only one explanation: God.

Is this a selfish desire? No. Jesus’ words are clear in John 15:8 “This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Thankfully He also proved the how-to in the previous passage (v.5): “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit because you can do nothing without me.”

When I feel cut off from the flourishing life God offers and desires it’s time to go back to the root of “the vine”. My favorite prophesy of the Messiah is found in Isaiah 11:1, “Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.” At the root of the stump of Jesse is where we find the only way to experience fruit that remains. When all appeared cut off like a stump of what was once a strong, powerful tree, the Nation of Israel and the house of Aaron, a root came up and fulfilled all of God’s promises in Jesus Christ.

What has been cut off or pruned away from your life? What losses have you experienced, disappointment without explanation, fading of friendship, plans failed, finances stopped, health eroded, dreams crushed?  What is your stump?

Watch for your shoot and you remain deeply rooted in Christ because we can do nothing without him.

God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, thank you for remembering me and blessing me and my children.  Thank you that I am of the Nation of Israel and the house of Aaron through the blood of Christ.  When I am in great faith, remind me to sing Psalm 115 to you, my Great Supplier.  When I feel small and defeated, help me to remain in your love and make this Psalm my song of expectation.  Thank you for causing my life to flourish in a way that points directly to you.

-Brandi

 

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