“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Seperated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.” John 15:5-7 MSG
I adore the image of God being the vine, and us, His people, being the branches. If a branch has separated from a tree, it dies, because it is no longer rooted in what brings life and nourishment to it. Without being attached, the branches cannot live or grow to be healthy, and productive, producing fruit.
When I read this passage, I see the promise of God. He promises an abundant harvest and what He needs, is a close and intimate relationship with us. When I think of productive days, the days that are going to bring me closer to my goals, closer to the hopes and dreams I have for my future, do you know what I think of?
I think of days when I hammer out my to-do list. I think of days when I am running around like a crazy person accomplishing things, and pushing to do more than I may have the capacity for. I think of exhausting myself, I think of the “hustle” culture my generation is drawn to, and I think of being able to tell everyone all about the things I made happen. The days where you brag on yourself and you’re quick to tell everyone about how much was accomplished, and all about the direction you’re headed. But do you know what God says?
Without Him, we can’t produce a thing. That’s right, not ONE thing. He says the harvest will be abundant, and He can be taken at His Word. He will bring the harvest, and what does He want from us? He wants us close. He wants to spend time with His kids.
To God, a productive day is the day when we take a few minutes to slow down, take a breath, and call out to our Father. Let’s recognize that our own strength will never be enough, but we have a good Father, who brings life, seeks to nourish our souls, and promises an abundant harvest. Get close and intimate with Him today, it’s what He desires.
Journaling Prompts:
Would you describe your relationship with God as intimate and organic? If not, why?
What does it look like to be “at home” with God?
What is a practical way for God’s Word to be “at home” in you? What action steps can you take toward this?
Prayer:
Hey Jesus, thank you for dying for me. Thank you for raising again, and for ending our separation from God. Thank you for giving us full access to the Father. Father, help me to grow in intimacy with you. Help me to see myself as a beloved daughter, with whom you deeply love and desire to be close to. Let your Spirit guide me and give me the strength for today, help me to sense His nearness throughout my day. Amen.
Comments