PRACTICING JOY
Fruit will come in due season. We may not FEEL joyful. We may not feel love, peace, good, kind, merciful, faithful, gentle, or feel we possess self-control. But if we are IN CHRIST, fruit WILL COME. Root yourself! Dig deep into the soil. Soak in the moisture and the nutrients around you. Connect yourself to the true vine. Lift your head into the Son, embracing photosynthesis, taking in the light, so that what is released from you is pure nourishment. Be a light bearer in a way that produces good things for others.
When the winds come, and they will, stand your ground; but be moldable, willing to bend to the will of your Father and preferring your neighbor to yourself. Do this, or you will break. Allow the winds to strengthen your branches like a muscle which grows with resistance.
Yet know, we do not build strength so we might show off or bully others who do not share the same strength. No, strength is built so you may beat up to the weight of all the fruit you are to bear. And remember, this fruit is not yours. For if you hold onto all this fruit for yourself it will over ripen, fall to the ground and rot. No, the fruit produced upon your branches is to be picked. Let them pick you clean, for then the process will begin anew.
The flowers and buds which promise fruit is beautiful. It is hope of a future. And that future is good. However, it is not yet fruit. Be patient, dear ones. Root yourself and prepare for what comes.
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:7-8 NKJV
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