I’m not a gardener per se, but I loved deadheading my plants. Yes, loved, because one plant is very healthy now, and the other has been looking like winter for about 6 months now. The plant isn’t dry enough to become wood, however all but two leaves have fallen off. Those two look as dry as ever, although they remain firmly fixed on the plant. It continues to persevere – but, save for a miracle, I think I could safely say that the plant is dead. The leaves have told me so. The message from those leaves remind me of Today’s Holy Nougat
Psalms 1:3 NIV
[3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
They are like Fruitful Trees 2
Although most of us love to see flowers in bloom, and though we are called to be fruit-bearing, our Nougat suggests that we should also focus on the state of the leaves. Leaves are critical to a plant’s survival. They ‘process water and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis to produce energy, glucose and oxygen. Leaves also ensure that plants breathe and transpire healthily. Without leaves, most flowering plants are just about dead.
However, the leaf does not work on its own. Since transpiration manages the flow of water in a plant, using same to keep the plant cool, the leaves must work with the roots of the plant. We recall that plants don’t always thrive when planted by rivers as too much water can rot the roots, damaging the entire plant at the first sign of flooding. Ironically, leaves wither as a result of drought, root damage and rot (often due to flooding), or extreme weather.
Self-Check
How healthy are our spiritual leaves?
Application
Our spiritual health – shiny, productive leaves, sturdy roots, and timely fruit- bearing – are the direct result of our relationship with Christ. Being safely connected to Christ, our Living Water, ensures that we don’t suffer from root rot or withered leaves. Psalm 1:2 tells us that this is achieved when we take joy in meditating on God’s Word. Not chanting, not merely reading or even reciting scripture; rather, it’s by intentionally immersing ourselves in God’s Word and nurturing a healthy relationship with God. Then, circumstances that come our way have no opportunity to phase us, as we’re rooted in Christ, our Sustainer.
Just as I’ve had to deadhead some leaves on my tree, we also need to ensure that our spiritual lives are well maintained. Failure to safeguard and balance prayer and study of God’s Word will impair our spiritual lives. Our roots may rot or our leaves will wither. Unlike my plant that has been dying and is unlikely to be revived, we have the assurance that in our worst spiritual state (save for blasphemy), God can and will restore us to wellness when we call on Y’shua.
If our leaves have begun to wither, let’s not hesitate because of pride. We need to call on Jesus.
Point to Ponder
Read Psalm 1:1-3. Have we put the relevant checks and balances in place to ensure that we are blessed and thriving spiritually?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
