Where Planted

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God (Psalm 92:13).

To succeed in our Christian life, we must be able to grow and flourish in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Joseph is a good example of this. Although he had been his father's favorite, he was accosted by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused of adultery, and imprisoned. He was able to rise above all this and eventually come out on top because his focus and allegiance remained on God. His joy and contentment came from God and not from a pleasing situation.

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11b).

Paul also went through many hardships on his missionary journeys. He was beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. He said that he experienced "perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (2 Corinthians 11:26-27). 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

Yet, Paul never ceased from pressing on, following His Lord wherever He led, and finding joy, peace, and contentment, even amidst the storms. We should do the same. We should keep our eyes on Jesus and not the situation. When we do that, no matter what happens, no matter the circumstances, we will bloom and bear fruit where we are planted.

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