Flourishing Fruit

"Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.  They shall still bring forth fruit in old age" (Psalm 92:13,14).  "Take us the foxes… that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes" (Song of Solomon 2:15).  "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD… for whom the LORD loveth, He correcteth" (Proverbs 3:11,12).  "I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Husbandman... Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:1-2). 

A life that brings fruit to perfection

Is pruned by God's hand from above. 

Be glad for the Father's correction,

Who purges with wisdom and love. 

The foxes that spoil the vines

May seem like they really don't hurt,

But God sees the fruit that declines

Because we had not been alert. 

Our fruit is not governed by chance,

For God intervenes in our life

To purge us in each circumstance

Through seasons of peace and of strife. 

Lord, thank You for flourishing fruit

You've nurtured in us through our days

That we may be more resolute

In bearing much fruit for Your praise.