Uprooted

READ: ECCLESIASTES 3:1-14; MATTHEW 28:20; ROMANS 8:35-39

Have you ever seen a plant that’s been repotted? If a potted plant gets too big, it needs to be moved to a bigger pot so it can grow and flourish. But, when you first put it in its new home, it may look droopy. That’s because it’s in a state of shock from being uprooted. Yet, if someone takes care of it, the plant will soon take root in the new dirt and get the nourishment it needs. With time, it will even start to thrive.

Have you ever felt like a repotted plant—ripped out of a familiar situation and placed in a new one? This can happen when we move, or a relationship changes, or we have a health struggle, or we change schools. We might feel like a droopy plant in a state of shock.

And it’s okay to feel that way. Being uprooted and making a new start is difficult. We may feel overwhelmed or helpless. It may seem like we’ll never adjust. But, like a potted plant, we have someone looking after us. Jesus is with us through every new change, and He will take care of us. He’ll give us the strength we need to adjust to each new situation.

So, if you’ve just gone through a big change, remember that the state of shock is temporary. It won’t be like this forever. Eventually you will adjust, and grow, and even thrive. And in the meantime, you can lean on Jesus. Like a capable and attentive gardener, He promises to take care of you. His love for you always stays the same, and He wants to walk with you through this season of change, mourning what was lost and celebrating the good things that are to come. It may not be easy adjusting to a new situation, but you can trust Jesus to give you courage and strength as you acclimate to your new surroundings, and to help you thrive in the new place He has planted you. • A. W. Smith

• Changes—even good changes—can take a toll on us. They can leave us feeling exhausted physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. But Jesus offers us stability, refreshment, and rest. Can you remember a time when you felt disoriented by changes in your life? As you look back, can you see any ways Jesus was caring for you in that time?

• It’s easy to let good habits drop off when we go through a life change. But habits like prayer, Bible reading, and worshiping with other Christians can be powerful ways that Jesus sustains, energizes, and comforts us through changes. When life feels busy or just plain overwhelming, what are some ways you can incorporate intentional moments with Jesus throughout your day?

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)