We are approaching the two-year mark for the COVID 19 pandemic. So much has changed in our lives. Many women struggle to move forward amongst what feels like a wasteland or dead garden. Some days it’s hard to see much of anything blooming. Many gardeners will tell you the secret to having a flourishing garden is in the planning and planting. Based on the specific area in which you live, you need to know several things: what to plant, why to plant that particular plant, where to plant, how to plant, and when to plant. Certain plants need specific environments to grow in, and you are far more likely to succeed when growing appropriate plants for your particular area. Much like physical gardening, we must tend to our spiritual garden if we want to flourish. Even though our physical eyes may only see the dead ground, there are practical steps we can take related to how we plant ourselves to begin to see things bloom despite the conditions around us. Let’s explore a few concepts that will help us as we strive to flourish spiritually this year.
"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God." Psalm 92:12-13 NKJV
This passage of scripture indicates that for flourishing to happen, we must be planted in the house of the Lord. PLANTED. What does this mean for us today?
Let’s explore what it means to be planted. Merriam-Webster defines the word plant as “to put or set in the ground for growth; to establish, institute, or settle.” Grounding ourselves in fertile soil will help up to flourish. I believe that our most significant growth will happen this year in the house of the Lord and among our church family gathered. We became quite accustomed to online church and distancing ourselves from others throughout the last few years; however, I believe our fight to flourish begins with a return to the house of the Lord and with renewed dedication to serve the church.
Grounding ourselves in fertile soil will help us to flourish.
The local church provides a solid biblical foundation for us to stand on. It points us to Jesus and His Word and inspires us on our journey of becoming more like Him. The house of the Lord is where we come together and join with others to give praise and adoration to the Lord. We are challenged in our spiritual journey and can find accountability among the body of Christ. Fear, anxiety, grief, and sadness have plagued us throughout the pandemic, but it’s in the house of the Lord that we find Truth, peace, and hope. The local church is the fertile ground where we should plant ourselves. This year, we will discover how women can flourish in the local church. We believe the Lord has great things in store for your life. He isn’t finished with us, but we must do our part to partner with Him in the process. So, let’s commit to planting ourselves in the fertile soil of our local church this year.
Whitney Davis is a wife, mom, encourager, and visionary. She is a South Carolina girl who now calls Oklahoma home. She worked for 12 years as a Labor & Delivery and Mother/Baby nurse before transitioning to full-time ministry to women. Whitney grew up in the IPHC and her husband, Brad, has been an IPHC minister for over 20 years. They have a blended family of five children- Carmen, Evelyn, Sullivan, Ellington, and Deacon.
Whitney has a passion for helping women on the journey of becoming more like Jesus. She desires for Women’s Ministries to be the arm of the church that is uniquely positioned to equip women for the work of discipleship.
Whitney loves having coffee with friends, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
