Flourishing Anywhere by God's Grace

A butterfly bush growing out of a crack of our neighbor’s curb reminds me that our circumstances don’t determine how well we flourish. We need nourishment from God (both physically and spiritually) and that can happen anywhere. Anywhere we are, we can be resilient. No matter the situation, we can thrive.

Life isn’t about your location, your circumstances, or the events around you. It’s about your response to them. So you can let these things get you down or you can choose to be resilient, adaptable, durable, and strong. You can flourish in spite of the difficulties around you. And when you do it will encourage others around you to do the same.

But how can you flourish when you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated all the time? When everything seems to be spinning out of control? The same way that little butterfly bush flourished: it didn’t worry about what was around it. It just soaked up the water, the sun, and the nutrients from the soil. God provided everything it needed so it just fed on them.

So what does the Bible say about who is about to flourish? Those who delight in His Word and meditate on it (Psalm 1:1-3). Those who are righteous (Psalm 92:12-14). Those who trust in the Lord (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Those who believe in Jesus (John 7:38). Those who abide in Him (John 15:4-5).

The person who does these things will be like a plant that is well-watered, firmly rooted, and bearing abundant fruit. With its roots extended deep into the ground near a stream, it won’t wither or even worry about a drought. Even in trying conditions or old age we will still be green and healthy, not dry and full of sap. Just like that butterfly bush.