Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella combine to form the perfect blend of flavors and textures. For me, this mix, known widely as Caprese, creates a flavorful bite within my mouth. It is one of my favorite snacks and salads. Sometimes, I even add cucumber or green pepper for extra crunch to my caprese. This refreshing cuisine inspired Gary and I to plant cherry tomatoes in the garden this year.
In May, we planted six cherry tomatoes plants of three different varieties. We wanted to determine which variety produced the most tastiest little flavor bombs for our mouths.
I’ve never grown tomatoes before, but after a few weeks in the ground, it became evident that these fruit plants required support for their limbs which began extending in interesting and random directions. I purchased a set of rings with telescoping legs to encircle each plant. I diligently placed them around the tomato plants and tried to maneuver the branches to stay within the circles. I naively figured that the 36 inch high supports would offer sufficient support for the growing plants. I tended to the wayward branches and noticed the abundant green fruit growing.
The first red tomato nourished my tummy on July 4. The sweet flavor surprised my taste buds. I delighted to see all the maturing fruit. The plants continued to grow. Soon, the plants dwarfed the supports I set in place, the branches extended beyond the telescoped circles.
After traveling for five days at the end of July, I returned to a small jungle in the garden. The tomato plants were huge. Limbs of ripening tomatoes pointed in all directions, laying upon each other, endeavoring to find support. The supports I placed failed to offer the degree of support necessary for the growth of the plant.
Support – a thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright; to hold up: a source of comfort or encouragement; to be actively interested in and concerned for the success of something or someone.
I searched our yard and garden for objects to help support the bushy cherry tomatoes. I found two free-standing flower pot hanger that looks like shepherd’s crook, and stuck them amongst the burgeoning plants. I wrapped some of the branches around it to provide support. I used an old piece of wood floor trim to provide additional support to another section of the bushy branches. Helping the plants feel supported was important to me – I wanted to help them thrive and continue to flourish.
The need for intentional supports for the growth of the bushy tomato plants caused me to wonder about intentional support for the spiritual journey. Scripture exposes numerous ways to receive support.
What does support for your maturing life with God look like? Do you have sufficient support to grow?
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
We experience support through authentic relationship. Who helps you up when you fall emotionally, physically, relationally, or vocationally? Describe the degree of personal authenticity in conversations and interactions? Do you allow others to enter into your story so they can support you?
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:14-25
We experience support through the Church. To what degree are you connected with a local Church community? What does it feel like to be known and supported in community? Share with a friend about the fruit of engaging with others walking in the way of Jesus. In what ways do you spur on loved ones to connect with others who love Jesus?
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-25
We experience support from the presence of the Lord. In what ways do you delight in the Lord? What occurs within you when you spend time with God, desiring to know Him more deeply? How does God uphold you and support you? Imagine God bearing your burdens and keeping you upright.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
We experience support during the dark seasons of life. All people walk through trials and hardship, yet our Good Shepherd extends His direction, correction, and comfort. God looks after His people and expresses support along the journey of life. Reflect on a current hardship in your life. Look for God. How does the Lord direct, correct, and comfort you with His support?
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:12-14
We experience changes to the support we need as we grow. Spiritual practices change throughout the development of our inner world with God. In what ways has your love for God changed for the years? Which spiritual rhythms nourish your soul and support growth in this season of your life? Might it be time to dig more deeply into Scripture, broaden your prayer space, engage silence, or practice fasting? How do you notice Jesus tending to and supporting the fruit growing from the branches of your life?
God designed each of us to thrive and flourish as we mature with Him. Support is necessary to our growth with the Lord. He offers it through His righteous right hand, which implies that He both upholds us and helps us stay on track. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10.
Just as the cherry tomatoes in our garden needed support to care for the bigger branches and blooming fruit, as followers of Jesus, we too need support. God meets us and provides support through Himself and others. Get support so that the tasty fruit developing on your branches can be enjoyed by all.
This week – – –
Reflect. Meditate on Psalm 119: 9-16 – “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” Notice the ways the Bible supports your journey with God. The things we meditate on support us. Select a verse to think about and talk with God about over the next week. Pay attention to the ways your soul experiences support from Scripture.
Request. Thank God for the support of the Holy Spirit. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” – John 14:16-17. Recount five ways the Spirit supports you in your journey with God. Thank the Lord.
Receive. Let God support you. Take note of the supportive surface you touch right now (the floor, a chair, a bed, grass, etc.) Pay attention to the support your experience from this surface. Where does it touch your body? How does it feel? Talk with God about any situations in life that you desire His support. Imagine God offering you support through this supporting surface. Let Him uphold you.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Isaiah 43:1-3 – Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity. New York City, NY. 2001.
James Bryan Smith. The Good and Beautiful Community: Following the Spirit, Extending Grace, Demonstrating Love (The Good and Beautiful Series). Downers Grove, IL. 2010.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Anne Wilson. Strong. Click here to watch & listen.
Bethel Music. The Church. Click here to watch and listen.