Close to the Water
“She is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, its leaves never wither; whatever she does prospers.”
All too often, my prayer time becomes a lamentation about God’s timing. “God, I know You have good things for me, but why not now? I know You have good plans, but how come I can’t see them today? What are You doing? Are you dragging Your feet on purpose?”
Even though it feels like it sometimes, God doesn’t drag His feet. His timing is perfect - He’s never late. He’s always perfectly on time. Sometimes He lets you watch Him work - slow and sure, and sometimes His plans come out of nowhere and require an immediate response. Either way,
He’s working on the fruit.
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that He’s doing something. Sometimes, it’s hard to see that His timing is perfect when you’re waiting for the ball to drop. When you don’t know when the “due season” will be, it’s harder to trust that the fruit is growing.
But it is. The fruit is growing. God is always working on your heart; He’s always up to something. God promises fruit in due season; He promises that our trees will yield their fruit if we stay connected to Him. And truthfully,
We’re not called to understand;
We’re called to faith.
As hard as it is to admit, it’s not my job to understand why He’s doing all He’s doing. It’s my job to stay near the water. It’s my job to stay planted. It’s my job to stick close to the stream.
It’s my job to trust that the due season is coming. It’s my job to believe that God will produce fruit. Even in the hardest, the worst, and the most tragic situations, God promises fruit for those who stick close to the water.
He is the fountain of life, and He promises fruit.
Today, I’m asking myself - what do I need to do to stay close to the water? How do I build my life - my day, my week, each month and year - around staying close to the water? What routines do I need to put into place? What rhythms of life need to be adjusted?
We all want to see fruit - we want to see proof of God’s faithfulness. And He wants to give it. He promises that the one who stays planted near running water will see the fruit in due season. Sisters, have the courage to plant yourself by the stream.
Father,
Thank You for offering us a place by the running water. Thank You for offering a place right next to You, right beside You, the Fountain of Life.
Thank You for promising fruit; thank You for working all things for the good. Thank You for helping us to lean on You, for being a good, good friend to us when it’s not our due season.
Father, please help us to trust that growth is happening - even if our weakest moments. Despite struggle or joy, please help us to trust in the fruit You’re growing.
We know that You’re a good steward. You’re not wasteful, and You’re not lazy - You’re doing the work; You’re building something beautiful. Help us to trust in that, Father.
Most of all, Father, we love You. You are the one our souls long for - help us remember. Amen.