As a lover of sunrises and nature, morning runs on country roads are a gift. From a spider web dripping with morning dew to a baby cow learning to trust its feeble legs, I just adore waking up early to run and absorb all that is around me. I honestly cannot think of a better way to start the morning. Not only do I get to abide in God’s beautiful creation, He speaks through it.
Recently, on a run, I noticed one stalk of corn growing in a field of soybeans. This is last year’s yellow crop, and it has no place in this field of green. But it rooted there, and so it grew again. This simple stalk reminded me of the nature of roots.
Our sovereign God placed us here. And just like when He “carried His people into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon”, we should also heed His instructions.
Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce…
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.– Jeremiah 29:5, 7
What a simple instruction for people in the hardest of circumstances. Honestly, it feels slightly insensitive. God carried them into exile and then told them to settle in and make it home. But oh, what a gift this simplicity is. Just like that stalk of corn growing in the “wrong place”, we are to root.
We are to build homes. Homes that welcome. Homes that invite. Homes that raise littles in His goodness. Homes with open Bibles.
Lord, may I make the most of the home I live in. May it be more than a shelter. May it be yours
We are to settle in. Settle into relationship. Settle into rhythms of growth. Settle into the sovereignty of the Lord.
Lord, settle my heart in your ways and the things you have for me.
We are to garden and enjoy our own production. We are to get in the dirt, make more with it, and enjoy the growth of our work (not just figuratively, because a real garden is real healing).
Lord, may I use my time and energy to grow things that take care of myself and my loved ones. May the things that I plant show my intention to wait for the harvest without impatience to have you change my circumstances.
We are to seek peace over the very place we are through prayer. Prayers of hope. Prayers of reconciliation. Prayers of change.
Lord, may my words pour out the needs my community.
Thank you for hearing my pleas.
We are to root like a golden yellow stalk of corn in a world that is altogether a different shade. We are to root lastingly.
Contact Bekah
