The Joy of Pruning

Thankfully, we have 2 citrus trees in our tiny yard. And they provide us with the best (in our opinion) oranges and pink grapefruits, in season. We eat, and juice, and spritz, and savor until we’ve had our fill. The harvest is plentiful beyond our capacity to consume and so we give away to all who will partake.

““I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Jesus Christ

But then, as a responsible gardener and caretaker, it is our responsibility to make sure our 2 fruit bearing trees are promptly and properly pruned. Otherwise, we will forfeit the enjoyment of abundant citrus in the following season.

This practical truth of gardening, found in the Bible, and lived out in our tiny yard, builds my faith in God. The simplicity of this truth, for then and now, offers peace and security because I recognize in this little lesson that God is good. And He knows what He is doing.

When I am pruned by my circumstances, it’s a hard kind of suffering. The actions are painful, and enduring seems to last oh so long, but as time goes by I recognize that part of the intent of pruning is to create rest. Stillness and inactivity are the byproducts of having something cut off.

Production is ceased, and then healing can begin. Rest will produce growth. And in time water, sun, and some fertilizer creates blooms, which attract pollinators, and the tantalizing aroma of sweetness.

Trials are not fun. Pain is not something we willingly invite into our lives. These rough spots are meant only for a season, and can simply be defined as something endured. But if we posture our hearts with surrender and yield our thoughts to restful learning, the Joy of the Lord will be our strength through trials. And one day, we will look back upon trials with gladness recognizing the presence of faith muscles we didn’t have previous.

Press on brothers and sisters. Press on.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

Lisa

Something to ponder with Jesus:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you think it’s possible to experience joy through a season of trials?

Think of a past difficult season or the current one you’re enduring. Are you able to find one moment of laughter, delight, comic relief or even a joyful visitor?

Ponder on this on moment of joy today and make it bigger than the suffering by thanking God for this blessing.

Keep a running list of other joyful moments as you recognize them.

Give thanks for everything that is good.

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

May I pray for you?

Lord Jesus, it is a hard thing to thank you for the trials of life. From these things that create pain and suffering we would rather You spare us and protect us.

Jesus, when it is our turn to endure, help us to remember that You also suffered and even died under persecution. Give us spiritual eyes to see that You are with us when we suffer. Enlighten our understanding and teach us during periods of rest and healing.

And Lord Jesus, I ask for my dear brothers and sisters, hurting right now that Your comfort and grace will be sufficient for them, and I ask You to bring them through this season bearing much fruit of the Spirit. I pray for their testimonies to be shared and for Your name to be praised.

We give all to You, Jesus, and trust You for perseverance and spiritual muscles and Joy, for Your glory.

Amen.