Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. Psalm 92:13 NKJV, emphasis added
Today, men and women readily leave churches if they see something wrong in the leadership. Yet remaining where God has placed us is vital to our success—it is those who are planted in God’s house who will flourish. Let’s look further into this sometimes challenging dynamic.
When a fruit tree is put in the ground, it has to face rainstorms, hot sun, and wind. The harshness of the elements causes it to seek another source of life, and its roots go deeper underground. It will one day come to the point that even the greatest of windstorms cannot affect its ability to produce fruit. This is what Psalm 1 speaks of:
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (verse 3 NKJV)
A believer who chooses to delight in the Word of God in the midst of adversity will avoid offense. That person will be like a tree whose roots search deep to where the Spirit provides strength and nourishment. They will draw from the well of God deep within their spirit, and adversity will become the catalyst for bearing fruit.
But once you leave the place God has chosen for you, your root system begins to dwarf. The next time you face difficulty, it will be easier for you to flee adversity. You will have been careful not to root yourself deeply. This is how you become a spiritual vagabond, wandering from place to place, suspicious and afraid that others will mistreat you.
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. Proverbs 18:1 NKJV
God never created us to live separately and independently of each other. He likes it when His children care for and nurture each other. He wants us to be active members of His family and to get our life from Him.
I am not talking here about seasons in which God calls individuals apart to equip and refresh them. I’m describing those who have imprisoned themselves. They protect themselves through isolation, feeling safe in the controlled environment they set up for themselves.
Let’s face it: Jesus is the only perfect pastor. So let’s not run from difficulties in this area. By God’s grace, we can face and work through them so that we do not abandon our place prematurely. Isaiah reveals the conditions that mark God-ordained transition:
For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. Isaiah 55:12 NKJV
There is an aspect of character development that comes only as we work through conflict. If you are facing tension or the temptation to leave the place where you have been planted, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you with His wisdom.
By following His lead, you can become mature and grounded in God, able to withstand any storm that comes your way.
