“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him, Then your faith will grow strong…” Colossians 2:7
Earlier this week, my husband and I had a sweet moment that turned into a beautiful spiritual lesson. While he was out mowing on our farm, I stayed behind watching our two-year-old granddaughter Eden so her parents could rest and care for their newborn baby girl. When my husband returned, he excitedly told me about some strikingly beautiful plants growing on the far side of the property. Curious, he invited Eden and me to ride over and see them for ourselves.
As we approached, I saw the tall, bold stalks of creamy white bell-shaped flowers rising proudly above sword-like green leaves. At first glance, I wondered if they were some kind of weed. But they were far too lovely, too vibrant, to dismiss so quickly. After a bit of research, we discovered they were yucca plants—and not weeds at all! In fact, they were incredibly hardy, useful, and long-lasting. We’ve now decided to transplant them into our garden, where they’ll be seen, appreciated, and have space to thrive.
The yucca plant spoke volumes to me—not just about nature, but about the Christian life. Here is this strong, evergreen plant, thriving in full sun, drought-tolerant, and resilient even through the harshest winters. Its flowers may only bloom for a few short weeks each year, but its roots go deep, its leaves stay green, and its presence is unwavering.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water… its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” — Jeremiah 17:7–8
Just as the yucca doesn’t rely on constant blooms to prove its value, we don’t need to always be producing or performing to prove our worth. Our identity is not in the season we’re in—but in Whose we are. And when our roots are deep in the Word of God, we can bloom in due time and remain steady through all seasons of life.
But staying rooted requires discipline and intentional care—both spiritually and physically.
Are You Cultivating the Right Garden in Your Life?
Think of your mind and body like a garden. Are you planting seeds of truth, or allowing weeds of compromise to creep in?
As believers, we are called not only to bloom but to guard our hearts and minds. We can’t flourish if we’re constantly feeding ourselves with toxic thoughts, negative media, or distractions that lead us away from God’s best.
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable…” — Philippians 4:8
This means being mindful of what we watch, listen to, and speak. Are we watching shows filled with cursing, sexual content, or dishonoring themes? Are we scrolling endlessly on social media without setting boundaries? What are we allowing into our homes, our conversations, and our thought life?
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” — Matthew 6:22
Our eyes, ears, mouths, and thoughts are all gateways to our hearts. And just as we discipline our bodies through physical exercise, we must also discipline our spirits. We take each thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). It takes effort, intention, and yes—sometimes pruning and transplanting. But the result is a heart that’s aligned with God and a life that bears lasting fruit.
In my Shaped by Faith classes, I often talk about how discipline in the body strengthens discipline in the spirit. When we commit to moving our bodies in ways that honor God—through walking, stretching, lifting, or resting—we’re not just training muscles. We’re training obedience, perseverance, and stewardship of the temple He gave us.
The same goes for the Word of God. Studying scripture isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transformation. We read not just to understand, but to be changed, rooted, and shaped.
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” — 1 Timothy 4:8
As we prepare to move the yucca plant from the wild edge of our farm into the center of our garden, I’m reminded how often God does the same with us. He takes what seems ordinary—even overlooked—and replants it in a place of purpose. A place where others can see His glory through us. A place where our roots can grow deeper and our blooms can be used to bless others.
So today, friend, I encourage you: Take a look at the garden of your heart and home. What needs pruning? What needs to be transplanted into a better place? What needs more light, more truth, more discipline?
Like the yucca, you are strong, made for all seasons, and capable of blooming in ways that glorify your Creator.