Plant Deeply

“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4, NLT).

Years ago on a ledge above my kitchen sink was a begonia my cousin gave me. It was first planted by my great aunt in the early 1900s. Through many years, as each older plant died, cuttings sprouted new growth. When each new growth struggled for life, its root system sank deeply into rich soil seeking nourishment and finding fulfillment in its unfailing strength.  Such are the days of our lives. Battles rage and then a time of peace comes. We build and then tear apart. We search and then give up. The old dies and gives way to the new. “There is a time for everything, and there is a season for every activity under heaven,” Solomon imparted (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Every event in your life has a purpose. It builds your character and has the potential to spur greater spiritual maturity.

At the end of his life and sadly depressed from his fall from God’s grace, Solomon wrote of his failures. Chuck Swindoll refers to the book of Ecclesiastes as a "graphic portrayal of a life lived apart from God”. “Learn from the seasons of your life!” Solomon imparted throughout Ecclesiastes. “Don’t waste your years. God blessed me with wisdom and I threw his gift away!” If we allow life to blow us in all directions and never plant ourselves in His truth, we will not reap the greater faith, strength, and power He wishes to impart. The time to act—to plant—is now,” Solomon would advise, “because there is no perfect season” (Ecclesiastes 11:4). When we deeply plant our lives in God and sink our roots into His promises, we learn lessons that will carry us safely through each season of life.

Just as my great aunt’s begonia was lovingly nourished through many years of beneficial care, His nourishment is essential for us to blossom spiritually. I wish I could say that I still have that begonia. But I don’t. I didn’t take care of it correctly. I didn’t pour into its life what was needed to survive. Now that I am older I look back upon the seasons of my life and ask if I wasted my years. Did I plant myself deeply enough in His Word? Did I pray enough? Did I persevere enough? Did I share my faith enough? Did I praise Him enough? You, who are young, don’t allow the seasons to pass without putting down roots in Him—without persevering for His best. Never hesitate to plant yourself in whatever season of life claims you now. One day the years will claim you too, and perhaps, unlike Solomon, you will be able to look back upon your own life and know you invested wisely.

Copyright 2016 Lynn Hampton Lacher