By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Do you like houseplants? Houseplants, in the right hands, can really thrive. Think of it this way: For a plant lover, a houseplant is almost like a personal friend.
They watch over the plant. They notice when it may need to be moved to a different spot in the house to maximize the light. If it gets too drafty, they move it. Houseplant owners know the proper watering schedule for each plant and the amount of water it needs. They have the proper soil and the right plant food to enrich the soil and help the plant thrive. The plant has a pretty good life.
Plant owners also rejoice when their houseplants produce blooms or when a new shoot begins to appear. Houseplant owners may even talk to their plants. Some even play music for them. They will also gladly tell you about their plants, how long they have had them and every growing pain and growth spurt each plant has experienced.
Psalm 92:13–14 states:
“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing.”
What a promise we have. To be planted in God’s house means that we can thrive. We can flourish. We can bear fruit. God watches over us. God moves us to maximize our growth. God knows what we need and when we need it. We can and should have a pretty good life planted in God’s house.
The next time you look at your houseplant, or any plant, think about the fact that God wants you in His house. God wants to see you flourish and thrive in His care. Even into old age, you can continue thriving in God’s house and producing fruit.