HOW TO BEAR FRUIT IN EVERY SEASON
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper. Psalm 1:3-4 NLT
Whether you are a gardener or not, today’s scripture holds a valuable lesson for you. Well-watered hearts bear fruit in every season, just like well-watered plants.
WHY WATER MATTERS
I’ve enjoyed gardening since I was a teenager. For almost three decades, I’ve experimented with many different plants in various settings.
The more sun a plant receives, the more drought-resistant it must be. Even though I live in the Midwest, I plant tropical-based lantana in my deck pots, because it loves the 12+ hours of sizzling sunlight that shines there.
My lantana plants flower freely all summer, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with their colorful blooms. Even though these plants can take the heat, I must water them every day so the flowers can grow.
All my plants perform best when I water them every morning before 10:00 a.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Their roots need nourishment to face the long, hot day ahead, so their leaves and flowers won’t wither.
When your faith is deeply rooted in God’s Word, you will be steady and secure no matter how hot your trials may be. You will be able to bear fruit even in periods of storms or drought, because your roots draw sustenance from a constant source of strength.
WATERING YOUR HEART WITH BIBLE STUDY
For the past 17 years, I’ve read the Bible every morning. Nothing has transformed my faith more than interacting directly with His Word. In those years, I’ve faced severe marriage trials, extended family conflict, job stresses and financial issues. Yet my faith held firm because meeting with God was at the top of my to-do list.
Just as my lantana plants do best with morning waterings, you and I will bear fruit when we start our days with God. His Word is living and powerful, and the Holy Spirit will use it to speak powerfully into whatever situation you may be facing.
To meet with God each day, you can use several different methods.
1) A printed Bible. I enjoy using the One Year Bible.
2) A Bible app.
3) A devotional app, such as Devotable.
4) A printed devotional.
5) Search for a topic with a concordance (online or printed).
Set aside 10 minutes. Pray that God will open your mind and teach you before you begin. After you read the scripture, ask God to help you apply what you’ve learned.
Choose one verse from the day’s passage for meditation. I focus on it throughout the day for greater peace. You can choose one verse and record it in your planner or write it on a sticky note to keep it fresh in your mind.
HOW TO KEEP THE WATER FLOWING
Adjust your Bible study time depending on your life season. For example, when I was nursing my babies, my Bible study time was held in tandem with their naps. From years of experience, I believe that first thing in the morning is best, but anytime at all will water your heart.
The main goal is to do study God’s Word every day. Trees by a riverbank have a constant supply of water. You need to set yourself up to be constantly supplied. Enhance your personal study time to bear fruit with helps like these throughout the day:
• A scripture-based screensaver
• Faith-focused Facebook groups
• Emails from devotional sites
• Scripture-based plaques for your desk
• A bracelet that displays a verse or encouraging phrase
No matter what season of life you’re in, God’s Word will water your heart and give you the strength to make it through. What storm or drought are you facing now? Whether it’s stress at home, at work, with relationships, with your health, with your church, or with your finances, God wants to help you through it.
BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY SEASON
God will provide strength and sustenance for you in His Word. You will be refreshed and able to bear fruit for His glory.
The Holy Spirit will help you bear the fruits of the Spirit for God’s glory (see Galatians 5:22-23). Whether your life season is positive or negative, you can bear spiritual fruit year-round as you draw close to Him through regular Bible study.
