Laughter hung in the air as I sat around a large table with some of the ladies’ from my church. We were at a local coffee shop, sipping on cups of coffee and enjoying a break in the chaos of our busy schedules. As I looked around the table, each heart and face seemed radiant with joy and life. I sensed a similar feeling of refreshing and jubilance in my own heart. Words of encouragement and wisdom were shared and our hearts were edified as iron sharpens iron. I felt as though I was thriving. As I was leaving the Bible study, I wondered what barriers prevent me from thriving during all of life’s moments.  

Last November, I wrote about how the Lord carefully plants our hearts in good soil. He is always working toward the good of our hearts. God is for us (Rom 8:31). Our hearts can rest in that foundational truth. Having the confidence then that He he positions and shepherds our hearts well, we can also have confidence that we have been given everything we need to thrive (Ps 23). It is our choice, though, whether or not we choose to take up, steward, and live in accordance with what He has given us in this season. When our hearts echo with a resounding “Yes!” to all that the Lord has for us in that moment, day, and season we position our hearts to thrive and receive a greater measure of His presence (Ex 35:22). Agreement makes growth possible.  

Choosing agreement and submission does not happen just once, or during a church service. We must say yes, over and over again. This is particularly true for the small moments of life, because it is in these small moments where the most growth can occur. Extravagant obedience in the little things will surely lead to growth, blessing, and advancement (Luke 16:10).  

Often though, it can be difficult to say yes in the mundane and ordinary. Harboring bitterness toward a co-worker, being envious of your sibling’s promotion, or being lazy with tedious tasks can come up in life with little notice. These areas of complacency act like weeds in our hearts. Choking out the fullness of life that the Lord would like to give to us, these weeds can hinder and block Love’s work in us. So we must develop the discipline of repentance in the small moments. When we notice or identify a weed in our heart, we must immediately come before the Lord in confession, asking for His healing forgiveness, and replace the weed with kingdom values (Gal 5:22-23).  

We can guard our hearts against the discouragement that might come by reminding our hearts of who He is and who He says we are. He is the Overcomer, Redeemer, and Advocate (Ps 31:5) (Heb 7:25). Closer than a brother, He knows our hearts and acts as a Forerunner by making a way for us (Heb 6:20). Moreover, the Lord has put glory in us. We are made in His image, crowned with beauty, and robed in holiness (Ps 103:4) (Rev 7:9). The work He has started, He will surely bring to completion (James 1:4).  

So, Dear Saints, seek the Lord in the small moments. Be conscious of the weeds that would try to sprout up in your heart and take them to the Lord in repentance. Know that He is for you and desires your heart to thrive before Him.