In a world that often encourages us to chase our own desires and ambitions, there's a
profound truth we must confront: God isn't on our side - at least not in the way we might
think. This isn't heresy; it's a wake-up call to align ourselves with God's will rather than
expecting Him to endorse our every move.
The scriptures don't support the notion that God is automatically on our side. Instead, they
reveal a deeper truth: God is on His own side, steadfastly committed to His divine will and
purpose. Our task, then, is not to pull God onto our team, but to ensure we're on His.
Consider the powerful encounter in Joshua 5:13-15. As Joshua approached Jericho, he
encountered a man with a drawn sword. Joshua asked, "Are you for us or for our
adversaries?" The response was unexpected: "No; rather I have come now as captain of the
army of the Lord." This celestial warrior wasn't taking sides - he was there to execute God's
plan.
This year, let's shift our perspective. Instead of asking God to align with our will, let's
commit to aligning ourselves with His. After all, as Revelation 4:11 reminds us, we were
created for God's pleasure, not the other way around. Our ultimate fulfillment comes from
living in harmony with His divine purpose.
But how do we position ourselves to flourish in God's plan? The answer lies in being deeply
rooted and planted in the right soil - the house of the Lord.
Psalm 92:12-15 paints a beautiful picture of this truth:
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, 'The Lord is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.'"
This passage compares the righteous to two majestic trees: the date palm and the cedar of
Lebanon. These aren't just any trees - they're known for their longevity, strength, and
usefulness. The cedar of Lebanon, in particular, stands as a symbol of resilience and
beauty, with roots that reach deep into the earth, drawing sustenance even in harsh
conditions.
But notice where these trees are planted - in the house of the Lord. It's this spiritual
rootedness that enables them to flourish, bear fruit, and remain vital even in old age. Your
flourishing, like theirs, is directly tied to where you're planted.
This idea of spiritual planting is echoed in Psalm 1, which describes the blessed person as
one who delights in God's law, meditating on it day and night. Such a 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."
To flourish means to grow and develop healthily, often as a result of a favorable
environment. It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving and blossoming. There's a
mystery to flourishing that's directly tied to being planted rightly.
But what does this look like in practical terms? How can we ensure we're planted in the
right soil? Here are some key areas where we need to focus on flourishing:
1. In our walk with God and spiritual life
2. In our minds - avoiding double-mindedness and instability (James 1:8)
3. In our families - choosing to serve the Lord together (Joshua 24:15)
It's crucial to understand that flourishing isn't just about external circumstances. It's the
result of intentional internal growth and maturity. As we align ourselves with God's will and
plant ourselves firmly in His presence, we create the conditions for true prosperity - not just
in material terms, but in every aspect of our lives.
This process of being planted and rooted is especially important in these last days. Just as
the early church gathered in unity in the upper room before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 2), we too need to be in the right place, receiving the right training and instructions for
our specific role in God's end-time army.
Think of it like this: in a military, different units have different functions and training. An
airborne soldier doesn't take instructions from the infantry, and a Navy SEAL has different
training than a Marine. In the same way, while we're all part of God's army, we each have
specific functions and need to be rooted in the right place to receive our unique
instructions.
Being planted rightly isn't about limiting yourself - it's about positioning yourself for
maximum effectiveness in God's kingdom. It's about finding your Rehoboth - your place of
spaciousness and fruitfulness (Genesis 26:22).
As we conclude, let's reflect on Jesus' words in John 15:4-5:
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the
vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who
abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
Our fruitfulness is directly tied to our connection to Christ. As we remain rooted in Him,
planted firmly in the soil of His love and truth, we create the conditions for true flourishing.
This is where we'll see our emotional life stabilize, our relationships deepen, our spiritual
life thrive, and the call of God upon our lives begin to manifest.
So, let's commit to being on God's side this year. Let's plant ourselves firmly in His
presence, allowing our roots to grow deep into the soil of His truth. As we do, we'll find
ourselves not just surviving, but truly flourishing - bearing fruit that will last for eternity.
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