Prune Me Lord

Pruning is a term used in different spheres but with the same interpretation.

In agriculture, pruning involves the selective removal of certain parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. The practice entails targeted removal of diseased, damaged, dead, non-productive, structurally unsound, or otherwise unwanted tissue from crop and landscape plants. In the nutrition and diet world, pruning is best done with a prune juice- a fruit juice derived from prunes that have been rehydrated. Prune juice helps with constipation; it eases the digestive system and rids it of unwanted waste in the bowels.

In the same vein, The Bible teaches us about pruning and its goodness in our lives. As Christ is our example to live by, He tells us in John chapter 15 verse 2 that "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit." He in this Bible verse here is God. God prunes branches that bear fruit, similar to agriculture described in the first paragraph, for more fruit to grow.

The pruning process isn't fun for the branch, but necessary. No one wants to be snipped or clipped, although we know it brings beauty at the end. Sometimes, when going through the process, we doubt God's love, His intentions, and maybe even question His presence in our lives. We may sometimes feel like our world is crashing down, all areas are out of focus, and our goals are far from being met when being pruned. But we must stay strong, knowing that it is all for the best. In James chapter 1 verses 2 to 5, James reminds us of this: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." See the end there? It says that we may be perfect and COMPLETE, lacking nothing. For God to perfect your life, He must prune your life.

So stay strong, my brothers and sisters. Have faith and be reminded that you are the clay, and our God is The Potter (Isaiah 64:8); you are the work of His hands.

Best wishes,

L.B.