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Friday 2 September 2022

THRIVING, NOT JUST SURVIVING

I'm joining with other writers from Five Minute Friday, and today's prompt word is ROOT


“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jer 17:7-8


I think these verses remind me that it is possible to not only recover from abuse, but to actually thrive.    Abuse leaves you not just broken but really dry and empty and full of fear.  It's like living in a soul-drought all the time.   The best you can do is survive, somehow.   

Abuse destroys your confidence.  It destroys your identity.  It attacks your worth in deep, hidden and insidious ways.   It destroys you at your roots.   It stops you from growing and moving forward.   

But God!

God's plan is that we thrive, that we flourish, that we live an abundant life.   

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  John 10:10

But we have to send our roots down, down, down, into the hidden place, the secret place, into His presence, into the shelter of the Most High.   It's a choice.  It doesn't happen accidentally.  It has to be intentional.  

God is the ultimate Redeemer and Restorer.    It is possible to move from fear to confidence, but only by putting down our roots deep into His character and His truths.  His Word is the water we need to live well, to have green leaves, to be fruitful for others, but also to be really living and not just struggling and striving and surviving.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.   And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  Ps 1:2,3

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.  Ps 52:8

I've had to choose to dig deep into Him and to put aside everything that others have said and done and handed me and trust only in Him.   I've had to plant myself in good soil.   I've had to water myself with the Word, and submit myself to the ultimate Gardener.  





























image courtesy of https://www.kindpng.com/



And like putting down roots in the natural, it all takes time, it takes effort, it takes perseverance, it takes hope, it takes faith, it takes pushing past resistance and tiredness and fear. 

It takes grace.  He gives us grace to push into Him.  He gives grace to the humble.   

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.     Heb 4:16 

But there is the promise, that if we keep trusting in Him, His character, His faithfulness, His goodness, His truths, that we are blessed and we WILL thrive, regardless of the circumstances, regardless of our past.   


All of this reminds me of a song I've known for years.   Thrive by Casting Crowns.  


Here in this worn and weary land

Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water

We never will run dry

So living water flowing through

God, we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire


Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on high

Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives

It's time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive



12 comments:

  1. When cancer came, intrusive,
    I thought it was the end;
    but he was not abusive,
    and he became a friend
    at whose behest I set aside
    my vain and worldly self,
    took off the mantle of my pride,
    and put it on a shelf.
    I am now freer than before,
    more liberated every day,
    and when I stand at Heaven's door,
    I shall knock and say,
    "I thank you, God, that I could meet
    the death that set me on my feet."

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    1. That's beautiful, Andrew! I'm sorry it's been so hard but I'm glad you found Him in the valley.

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  2. Our roots, right here: Like a tree planted by the water
    We never will run dry
    So living water flowing through
    God, we thirst for more of You
    Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire

    FMF11

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    1. Love the truths in that song and these verses. Gives me hope to persevere. Thanks for stopping by, Annette.

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  3. That passage from Jeremiah has always been a blessing to me. Thank you for the reminder. FMF21

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    1. You are very welcome, Barb. It gives me hope.

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  4. Thank you for the encouragement. I want to intentionally push my roots deeper. To spread them and to grow stronger. To know I'm grounded and held fast. I know it takes intention...

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    1. I have to remind myself constantly, Jennifer. But I know that I'm blessed in increasing measure when I do. Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. Thank you. Encouraging post. Trees teach us a lot - an earthly example of a kingdom truth. Blessings! FMF#8

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    1. Yes, the Lord speaks through trees so much. Thanks for your encouragement.

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  6. Thanks for sharing these words of encouragement.

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    1. You are welcome, Sandra. Thanks for stopping by.

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