LENT DEVOTIONAL: WEEK 4
Haiku Meditation
Securely planted
Ready to receive the grace
Of what will become
John 1:16: “For from his fullness, we have all received, grace upon grace.”
Securely planted: For a seed to bloom it must become undone. But it is only ready for its undoing, because it has been firmly planted in rich soil. It seems backwards, to be carefully planted and cared for only to be broken open and spilled out for all to eventually see. But this is the kingdom way that Lent reminds us to meditate on. Jesus spent time in solitude and rest, finding refuge in God’s presence before his active ministry where he was eventually broken open and poured out for all humanity.
It’s hard to feel secure and find refuge these days when it feels like we’ve been in a prolonged state of crisis. However, it’s often in turmoil or a crisis that we can see more clearly where we want to be securely planted. When all the world is sinking sand, we must press in more deeply to the One who holds us secure. When God prepares us for a new season, he often leads us first, more deeply into his Word. It is in rest and refuge in him that we can be made ready for a time when more will be required of us. Sometimes we want the fruitful, blooming season without the preparation. We want the outward beautiful things for all to see and we seek validation from what we are producing on the outside. But without the preparation season like we’ve been meditating on, we will not be ready to withstand the turmoil or chaotic conditions we find all around us. We must be securely planted in the dark, rich soil before we are ready to bloom.
Libby John is an artist partner with Art House North and is the director of Vivid Artistry and host of the Art and Faith Podcast. Subscribe to her weekly devotionals HERE.