The Best Time to Plant a Tree…

Have you ever read the Bible and come across a verse that makes you purse your lips and think “how you gon’ do me like that?” Truly God (and His Word) is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). In the book of Hebrews, God’s word is compared to a two-edged sword. You can either run away and fight the pain of incision, or hold still and allow it complete the work of circumcision in your heart.

Either away, I came across a verse in Proverbs recently. If I’d seen it sometime mid-year, I’d have probably gone “hmm” and continued reading. But it’s the end of the year (or close to it), and like most people, my mind is entering stock-taking mode. So the verse hit home.

“The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.”

Proverbs 20:4, KJV

In retrospect, the year 2022 was a good year for me. I saw God’s Grace and Faithfulness at work and there’s a lot to be thankful for. But upon chancing on that verse, it made me think of some of the goals I’d hoped to hit by the end of the year. And looking at the “harvest” I’d gathered so far, these goals weren’t in the number. The verse explains why; I didn’t put in the work in these areas when I was supposed to.

Perhaps you’re like me, and you have a number of goals you’ve not hit, or a number of deficiencies that still need sorting out. Or perhaps the year was a disaster, and you didn’t seem to achieve much of note. The first thing you need to remember is that there’s a lot to be thankful for. And even though you may not have achieved some things because you didn’t put in enough work, so far you’re living and breathing, there’s still time to sow and reap that harvest.

God’s Word corrects: but it also gives hope and comfort. If you “have nothing” now because you didn’t “plow” (or “plow” enough), rest assured that when you put in the work, you will see those results. It’s a promise; seed time and harvest time will never fail. Truly, some goals are time-bound. But there’s no point focusing on what’s behind. Repent, learn from it, and move on.

Don’t fall into the temptation of wallowing in regret and self-pity. Don’t write off the rest of the year and plan to start again on the 1st of January 2023. The best time to sow and plow was in the past. The next best time is now. Receive the strength and direction of God and start working on your best year ever now!