Grow where He has planted you
Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of our God. ~ Psalms 92:13
Recently, I sat down with a friend who felt stuck in life. She had been weathering a consistent storm for over five years and was understandably exhausted. As we talked about her daily habits and decisions, I sensed there was something deeper causing her unrest. When I asked where she attended church, she admitted she was jumping from one to another, choosing where to go based on how she felt that week.
While I was glad she made the effort to attend services, I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 92:13. I gently explained to her that being spiritually planted isn’t about bouncing from place to place seeking what feels good; it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you to a home where you can be rooted, grow, and give.
This conversation opened my eyes to a common struggle I’ve seen in many people. In today’s culture, it’s easy to approach church as a consumer and looking for what we can receive rather than seeking a place to give, serve, and grow. But flourishing, as Psalm 92 reminds us, comes from being planted, not potted. A potted plant can be moved frequently, but its roots can never grow deep. To truly thrive, we need to be planted where God has called us.
Looking at my own life, I’ve often marveled at God’s blessings and asked, “Why has He been so good to me?” I know it’s not because I’m more deserving than anyone else. After having the conversation with my friend, I realized that it’s because He has planted me in a wonderful church where I’ve been able to use my gifts to serve others. My church isn’t perfect; I’ve faced disappointments and even hurt there. But because I know it’s where God has called me, I’ve been able to let go of those hurts and focus on the mission He’s given me.
When we’re planted where God wants us, our roots grow deep. We’re able to weather storms, contribute to His kingdom, and flourish in ways we never could on our own. I love that this passage references that the righteous will flourish like a palm tree. If you know anything about palm trees, you know that they can handle high winds and never break or be blown over.
Here is how you can get started in allowing yourself to be planted in the house of the Lord.
- Seek His Guidance in Prayer: If you’re unsure where God wants you to be planted, ask the Holy Spirit for clarity. Pray for Him to show you a church or community where you can grow and serve. Ask Him to make it very clear so that you know you are in the right place.
- Commit to Being Planted: Once you feel led to a specific church, commit to being rooted there. Get involved, build relationships, and serve faithfully, even when challenges arise.
- Journal Your Calling: Write down the moment you sensed God calling you to a particular place. When discouragement or hurt feelings arise, revisit that writing to remind yourself of His guidance.
- Evaluate with a Servant’s Heart: Instead of asking, “What can I get out of this?” shift your perspective to, “How can I give and grow here?” Look for ways to use your gifts to bless others.
- Discern if or When It’s Time to Move: If you feel God might be calling you to a new church, don’t make the decision out of frustration or hurt. Instead, pray for confirmation. When the time is right, God will make the transition clear and joyful, not an escape.
- Stay Rooted During Storms: Every church will have imperfections and challenges. When you face disappointment, focus on your mission rather than your feelings. Trust that God can use even difficult moments to deepen your faith and strengthen your character.
Today I want to encourage you to remember, flourishing takes time. Deep roots don’t grow overnight, but they are worth the effort. When you stay planted where God has called you, He will nourish and strengthen you. You’ll discover a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment that comes from being right where He wants you to be. You will also be surrounded by a community who will support and care for you when the storms of life hit.
This new years remember if you’re in a season of uncertainty or transition, trust that God is faithful to lead you. Ask Him to plant you in a place where you can grow, give, and flourish for His glory. Then, watch as He uses your life to bear fruit and bless others.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 92
1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings, on the lute, and on the harp, with harmonious sound.
4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
5 O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep.
6 A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this.
7 When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they may be destroyed forever.
8 But You, Lord, are on high forevermore.
9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord, for behold, Your enemies shall perish; All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
10 But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.
11 My eye also has seen my desire on my enemies; My ears hear my desire on the wicked who rise up against me.
12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They will still bear fruit in old age; They will be fresh and flourishing,
15 To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
The Daily Dose 