They were filled and their heart was exalted; therefore they forgot Me. - Hosea 13:6
Guests
probably wonder why I keep a scraggly fern in my living room. I've gotten so used to its
unsightliness that I seldom think to explain. The plant symbolizes a friendship that has
become fragile, and I keep it in a prominent place as a reminder to pray for my friend,
which I do whenever I water it. Its dried leaves make it obvious that I don't water it
often enough, which also means that I don't pray often enough for my friend.
My fern is drying up because I don't water it until it wilts, and I carry that attitude
along with me into my spiritual life. As long as my life is not in crisis, I figure that
prayer can wait a while. But I'm wrong. When God's blessings make me think I don't need
Him, I am more needy than ever.
The book of Hosea summarizes God's relationship with His chosen nation in words that
parallel my own spiritual experience. God blesses, I grow; God satisfies, I take credit;
God withholds His blessing, I realize my neediness; God reveals my sin, I repent; God
forgives, I renew my devotion.
I've learned from my plant that I must pray even when I don't see the need. I need God
just as much when I'm being blessed as when I am in crisis.
-JAL
It's easy to forget to talk to God
When everything is going our own way;
But that's the time we really need Him most,
Lest we depart from Him and go astray.
-Hess
There is never a day when you don't need to pray