Wherever you are planted, you can thrive when you keep your eyes focused on the Lord.

Wherever you are planted, you can thrive when you keep your eyes focused on the Lord. Throughout our lives, there will be joyous, glorious, and wonderful seasons. Yet, there will also be times of struggle. Regardless of the season, we are never abandoned or alone. Our Lord and Savior is always beside us. We are told of this in Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This morning, I was reminded of this truth along a rugged, rocky gravel path. There was sunflowers. They were thriving—living and flourishing even along what would be consider by most to be undesirable ground.

 It reminded me that just because I may be in place or in difficult circumstances.- I can still thrive. The faces of sunflowers point upward at the beginning of the day, looking to the Lord. So often, our faces are turned toward our circumstances instead of focusing on the Lord. But He promises us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.” — Psalm 139:7-8 Our Heavenly Father desires relationship with us. We are His children, and He invites us to come to Him to find rest.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 In Romans 8, Paul reminds us:
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” — Romans 8:32
“For I am sure that neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38-39 The world isn’t promised to be free of trials and tribulations. But one thing is certain: our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is with us.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 Today, I encourage you: do not hang your head or look around at your circumstances. Instead, lift your head and look to the Lord. Invite Him into your heart. Ask Him for guidance, insight, and the strength you need—no matter what you're facing.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 He desires an ongoing relationship with you. Before you were even formed in your mother’s womb, He knew you.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” — Jeremiah 1:5
“The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” — Luke 12:7 Just like the sunflowers along the road, sometimes we find ourselves in less-than-ideal situations. But do not lose heart. We thrive not on our own strength, but because of His presence in us.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13 Bring what you have to Him, and He will bring the rest. First, invite Him in.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” — Revelation 3:20