I came across this poor plant this morning. His leaves were all wilted and if he didn’t get some water soon – death was inevitable. The irony of the situation struck me when I saw the watering can – full of water, beside this plant.
All that provided life and health was within a few inches and yet the plant was lurking at death’s door. How often are our lives like that? We are so busy, rushing around doing this or that and we don’t take time to give our bodies the most important thing it needs?
There are many things we need to be at our best, rest, relaxation, exercise and good food (and I don’t mean chocolate and coffee…ok, maybe I do mean it a little bit.) But, hands down, the number one thing our bodies need is time with Jesus. Without that, we may look like we have it together on the outside, but in the inside we will look a bit like my plant. Wilted.
I wonder how often is my Bible quietly sitting within inches from me while I tumble through my day wilting away at every turn.
Have I taken the time to bask in the presence of the Lord today? Have I heard His still quiet voice? Am I refreshed and ready to do His work today?
Psalms 1:2-3
…his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yield fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all he does he prospers.
Listen to the verb he uses – delight. Am I delighting in the truths of the Scriptures? Am I meditating on the words? That means I can’t just read a chapter in Matthew, check it off my list for the day and move on. I need to recall those verses throughout the day and think about them, apply them, let them change my life.
If you don’t have a regular Bible reading plan, I encourage you to check out You Version. It’s free, had apps for most platforms and has many wonderful Bible reading plans to choose from. If the plans are intimidating to you and you don’t know where to start a good place to start is with the book of John.
It doesn’t matter which one you choose, or how much you read in a day. It’s not a marathon, if you read only one verse and think about it though out the day, that’s better than reading 10 chapters and never giving it another though.
How I wish I could have read this at the BEGINNING of my day! I think you described me perfectly… unfortunately. Thanks for this great analogy and wisdom!
((Hugs)) Sorry you are having a rough day, my friend. Tomorrow will be better…or at least warmer. 🙂