Ivy League

Every once in a while I'll take this little ivy plant out of its vase to check what's happening with its root system. The last time I took it out, it hadn't been tended to for a long while. The roots had all bunched up and wrapped around each other in a mess. I could hardly get it out of the container. So I trimmed the roots aggressively back, hoping it would allow more energy to go into growing the plant stronger and perhaps larger.

The photo above was the result I discovered recently. Apparently all the growth went into one long root! I couldn't believe it! It must have been over three feet long, but all that showed above the vase was about 6" with three or four small leaves! I guess all is not as it appears!

It reminded me of Psalm 1 (NIV translation). I have printed it here for your meditation:

1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

We need to have the proper nourishment for our souls and spirits. That is achieved by planting our thirsty souls near God's refreshing spirit and staying close. We will never run dry of what we need when we go to God to satisfy all our thirsty longings.

Come close to him today. Drink from his well that will never run dry! He will grow your roots strong in his love through spending time with him. He knows when it's time for more nourishment, or time to trim your roots so you can grow stronger and expand your reach. He will make you strong enough to stand firm and not wither or be washed away or blown away. Let God give you everything you need to be strong and healthy and stand firm like the wise man today!

Are you living in line with God's principles? Are you listening to his wisdom? If so, you are in the same league as the little ivy plant - and the willow tree from Psalm 1. God promises that you will thrive and prosper no matter what life brings your way.