Flourish

It’s become my yearly practice to ask the Lord to guide our family in the direction He wants for the year ahead. As I look back on the last 11 years, I am overwhelmed with joy by His faithful guidance and my growth. There have been both joyous and tough years, but God faithfully builds foundations and expands my faith. When we ask, there is no doubt that He answers!

"What's next for the one who's has a life-altering encounter with Almighty God?"

This is the question I've been asking the last few months. I have experienced some truly miraculous things that both solidified and expanded my faith. God answered my prayers and did wondrous miracles in my life. It's been a beautiful season of restoration. In my joy, I've found myself thinking, It doesn't get better than this! Or does it? What happens after miracles? How does one move forward after a miraculous encounter with Jesus?

The word flourish fills my heart for the year ahead. Throughout the Scriptures we read stories of ordinary people, who radically encountered God. When this crossroad happens, each person had a choice: pursue righteousness or remain the same.

When it comes down to it, I don't want to simply live in the memory of my miracles. There is much more than memories for those who abide in Christ. There is great abundance and life for all who walk in righteousness. Psalm 92 sets the stage with this beautiful picture of flourishing ...

"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." Psalm 92:12-15

"What does it mean to flourish?"

FLOUR·ISH is the translation of the Hebrew verb מָּרַח (parach), which means "to break forth", and "to bud, spout, shoot". Strong's says "to break forth as a bud" - abundantly, blossom, flourish, make fly, grow. Webster's definition for flourish is to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.

"Why the cedars of Lebanon?"

Cedars are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Psalm 104:16 says that God planted the cedars of Lebanon and they flourish. They are strong, provide shade, and thrive in the wilderness as a testament to the Lord (Psalm 80:10-11; Isaiah 41:19-20). When God plants the cedars, they will grow and produce fruit, ultimately giving life to everything around it (Ezekiel 17:22-24). Like the cedars, those who walk in righteousness will not simply live, but thrive in the courts of God.

With every passing year, God's promise for those who grow older in righteousness strengthens my heart. And what a promise this is! To still bear fruit and every day be overflowing with life. My best days are ahead, not behind. This isn’t as good as it get. Instead, God is paving the way for even deeper faith and greater miracles. Above all else, Jesus has set the stage for me to flourish, so that His Name and His glory will be known to everyone He brings into my life.

Truthfully, current circumstances indicate an unfavorable start to the new year. 2022 has us staring at a potential fourth lockdown with the rampant Omicron variant. The world tells me there's another hard year ahead. But flourishing is not dictated by the surrounding circumstances. When we are connected to the Vine [Jesus], we will flourish ... not because of who we are, but who He is. Jesus is the source and when we remain connected to Him, we will thrive regardless of our situation.

“Thus says the Lord God: “I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out. I will break off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain height of Israel will I plant it, that it may bear branches and produce fruit and become a noble cedar. And under it will dwell every kind of bird; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest. And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.”” Ezekiel‬ ‭17:22-24‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

If you're feeling overwhelmed, dried up, and completely exhausted by what you see on the horizon, cling to the One who gives life and you will flourish (John 15). Allow the joy of the Lord to be your strength. He will sustain you and empower you to conquer any terrain.

Praise the Lord that my circumstances do not dictate whether or not I thrive. I could be looking at the worst year ever, but if I press into Your presence, I will flourish. Help me to shift my perspective. When there is lack, help me focus on Your provision. When I see instability and chaos, remind me that planting in Your presence is the safest place to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2021 Reading Reflections

Here are my reads and Bible study highlights from 2021. All these studies were incredibly life giving during a very isolating year. If you are looking for studies that are filled with hope and dig deeply into God's Word, I recommend any of the following:

BIBLE STUDIES

All Nations, Tribes, People, and Tongues: The Hope of Christ in Revelation by Phylicia Masonheimer

Knowing and Believing God's Love: Exploring the Gospel of Christ in 1-3 John by Phylicia Massonheimer

Get Out of Your Head Study Guide: A Study in Philippians by Jennie Allen

Grace-Fueled Womanhood Study at Well-Watered Women

BOOKS

Stop Calling Me Beautiful by Phylicia Masonheimer

Making a Good Brain Great by Daniel G. Amen

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen

You and Me Forever by Francis Chan

I Do Boundaries by Havilah Cunnington