Devotion:
My philodendron was dying. If your plant knowledge is similar to mine, you might not know that a philodendron is a beautiful climbing indoor plant. The vines grow and luscious green leaves cascade down. I’ve had one hanging in my bathroom for four years. It was full of life, vibrant, and made me smile each time I saw it.
Over the last year, it began to change. My plant started showing endless naked vines and only grew more bare with each passing day. I started watering it more frequently and only made matters worse. No matter how much I watered this plant, it seemed too late and too far gone. I was sad. I had given up on my plant and even asked for a new one for Christmas.
One day, I figured I had nothing to lose and stepped out of my comfort zone. I grabbed the scissors and went to town trimming away until I decided I very much screwed up. I took a picture of this bare plant with almost all of its vines chopped off and was confident that was it, my plant was too far gone. I left it hanging until I was ready to pitch it.
After a few days, I noticed something. This seemingly helpless plant created new vines and new leaves. Then, over the last several weeks, it started to transform into a brand-new plant. This dull, dead, empty philodendron became full of life again.
I look at this transformed plant that has shifted my perspective. I wasn’t allowing space for it to grow. It was overcrowded, overspent, and getting worn out. After an extended period of too much on its plate, it started to give out. When I finally cut out the unnecessary and created space, it could breathe again.
God tells us time and again to make space for Him. Our lives are so busy and so full, yet we come up feeling too spent and too tired. We become dull, dark, and lifeless. Mathew 11:28 reminds us to come to the Lord when we are weary and He will give us rest. If we learn to let go and make space for the Lord, we may find new growth inside of us. It’s time to get your scissors and start cutting outside of your comfort zone. Watch the Lord work in your life.
Prayer:
Lord, please help us clear out our lives and make space for what matters most. Help us to hear you and follow you every single day. We long to live a life that is pleasing to you. Show us what to cut out so that we may open our lives to you fully. We love you, Lord, and we thank you for our many blessings.
Amen.
Lauren Smith
