Welcome to Faith Connections Friday!
We are in a series for the next several weeks focusing on Psalm 119. If you would like to read ahead, read the entire psalm or a section each week. We are so glad you are here and hope you enjoy the series! Thank you!
To help a plant grow, produce, and flourish, it must be pruned. John 15:1-2 is a prominent explanation as to why the gardener must perform the pruning—so the plant can bear more fruit. In the Spring, we witness and enjoy the glorious beauty and fruit resulting from the pruning.
We relate pruning to affliction, or trials. It is the cutting away of harmful pieces so we can be more fruitful. The “pruning” is not enjoyable in the process. It hurts. It’s painful. It’s definitely not fun. Yet, when the process is complete, it produces glorious beauty and fruit (Hebrews 12:11).
Our passage today is Psalm 119:73-80.
The psalmist writes that God afflicted him because of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 119:75). The psalmist deeply desires to know God and be obedient to His Word. Part of the developing relationship with God involves trusting Him enough to allow Him to prune us, to cut away what is harmful. Why? He is lovingly shaping us into a masterpiece so we can be a beautiful reflection of His goodness (Isaiah 64:8).
An example could be a medical diagnosis due to poor health choices. The pruning could be medication or therapy to restore health. It is a challenging process, yet it is God’s discipline for healing and developing healthy habits. The resulting fruit are a healthy body and the testimony of God’s purpose for you to help others.
Another example is the removal from a toxic environment could be a type of pruning. It may seem difficult or confusing at the moment, yet it is actually God’s loving protection from further harmful influence and impact. The resulting fruit are the healing, restoration, and testimony of the lessons learned.
Afflictions allow us to encourage others (Psalm 119:79). We share with others how God is so very good and faithful (Psalm 119:75-77). We share the promises and hope in God’s Word (Psalm 119:74). We share our experiences so others can know God and His Word (Psalm 119:79).
Faith Connections Challenge: Identify a current or recent trial or “pruning” experience. What are some harmful areas that God may be pruning that can become a source of encouragement to others? Be willing to let God perform the pruning so you can be a beautiful reflection of His goodness.
Connections2Excellence 