I’ve heard this analogy given several times, but it bears repeating. There’s an encouragement often shared: buy flowers and put them on your table. They are beautiful, enjoyable, and fragrant. But then the inevitable occurs. Slowly, over time, they begin to wilt and fade. They will not last. The moment they are removed from the vine, their shelf life begins to tick down.
It is a fitting metaphor for our spiritual walk. When we become disconnected from God, we inevitably wither.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Remain in me, and you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
As I sat there and looked at the flowers on my kitchen table, I was reminded of this truth afresh: With Him, we flourish. Staying connected to Jesus means spending time with Him, setting an intention to walk with Him, fixing our minds on things above, and being vigilant to protect our intimacy with Him.
Just as a vine nourishes its branches, so Jesus continually renews us with His strength and life. Have you started to wither under the weight of sin, discouragement, condemnation, worry, loneliness, or another burden? Draw near to Jesus and take hold of the life-giving relationship that God freely and graciously offers you in Him. In Christ, you are forgiven, set free, treasured, never alone, and destined to flourish.