Bloom Where You Praise
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Recognizing God in the Unexpected Places
Scripture:
“Abide in Me, and I in you… whoever abides in Me will bear much fruit.”
— John 15:4–5
Some things bloom in gardens.
Some bloom in quiet corners.
Then, there are the blooms that appear exactly where I meet with Jesus — the ones that open right in the middle of my everyday worship, writing, and listening.
When I brought my Christmas cacti from home to my tiny house office in August 2024, I found myself simply rearranging plants. I had not fathomed or expected revelation. I hadn’t contemplated growth, nor anticipated beauty.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Amazingly, God sees, imagines, and plans growth, beauty, and revelation.
The Father’s purposes and ways are so much higher, and He doesn’t just bloom plants. He sprouts people. Graciously, He blossoms people in the places where they abide in Him.
This Morning’s Bloom: A Living Parable
When I snapped the photo this morning, the cactus wasn’t just budding anymore.
It was pouring itself open — pink petals unfurling in layers, like worship.
That bloom didn’t happen at home.
It didn’t happen in storage.
It didn’t happen during the years I wondered if the plant would ever flower just once.
It happened here — in the office where:
- my Bible sits open each morning
- my worship songs echo softly
- my blog posts are prayed over
- my tears and praises mingle
- my spirit is being renewed
God chose this place to bloom the cactus because it represents where I have begun to bloom again.
Today’s photo tells the story:
- The bloom is open.
- The color is deep.
- The petals stretch forward like they’re greeting the light.
- Beside my cactus sits the small white pumpkin that reads “blessed” — a tiny sermon of its own.
A Pumpkin Staying on Purpose
I haven’t packed away any fall décor yet. One pumpkin remained.
I have meant to put it up.
I have forgot.
Thankfully, God didn’t.
The pumpkin reads “blessed,” and He left it there so i would see it on the very day the cactus bloomed.
It became a prophetic pairing:
The bloom — a sign of renewed life, hope, and God’s timing
The pumpkin — a reminder that I am blessed not because of mycircumstances, but because of His presence
Together, the symbols preach:
“You are blooming where you praise,
and you are blessed in the becoming.”
Blooming in the Space Where You Worship
This burgeoning wasn’t about soil.
Or sunlight.
Or watering schedules.
This bloom was about presence.
It was about placement.
It was about God showing me that spiritual growth often appears in the same place where my heart kneels, breaks, rejoices, and listens.
The cactus bloomed where I worship because people bloom where they worship.
When I entered into a new rhythm with Him in this office, the plant responded to what your spirit was doing:
- I am becoming rooted.
- I am becoming open.
- I am becoming steady.
- I am becoming whole.
- I am blessed in the truest sense of the word.
This cactus is merely reflecting the transformation He’s already begun in me.
Devotional Reflection
- Where is God inviting me to bloom in this season — even if the environment feels unlikely?
- What small reminders of blessing has God placed in my view that I’ve overlooked?
- How is my worship shaping the atmosphere of my heart?
- What blooms might appear if I remain where He has planted me?
Blooming in the Place God Planted You
Plants don’t bloom because the environment is perfect. They bloom because they are rooted where they can receive light. The pink and white cacti bloomed not when I expected it, not when I thought you needed it, not even when I was watching for it —
but when it was placed in the space where I were abiding in Jesus. The office has become a holy place —where tears have fallen, songs have risen, devotions have been written, and prayers have been whispered before any resolutions formed. God chose that place to show me what He is doing inside me.
Now, dear reader, let me gently turn toward you—
because this is where your heart enters the story.
Wherever you are right now—whether it feels like a thriving garden, a barren desert, a quiet office, a cluttered kitchen, a lonely classroom, or a season you never asked for—
that place can become holy ground.
Not because you love it.
Not because it’s easy.
Not because it’s where you planned to be.
Because Jesus abides with you there.
Your bloom will not come from perfection,
from the “right” environment,
from perfectly aligned circumstances,
or from trying harder.
Your bloom will come from light.
From where you are rooted.
From Who you remain connected to inside of a real relationship with your Savior, with your Redeemer, with your Advocate.
So let me ask you gently:
- What if your current season is not a setback, but a planting?
- What if God is growing roots you can’t see yet?
- What if the bloom will appear in the very place you thought nothing good could grow?
- What if the holy place is not a location, but the presence of God with you in this moment?
Your circumstances do not limit God. Your environment does not intimidate Him.
Wherever you abide in Jesus—you are already standing on holy ground.
And one day—quietly, suddenly, beautifully—
something in you will bloom.
Not because everything is perfect,
but because He is present.
Challenge: Create a “Holy Place” This Week
Find one small spot — a chair, a corner, a windowsill, a journal, even the front seat of your car — and dedicate it as the place where you will meet with Jesus intentionally.
Return to it at least once a day this week. Return to His word that satisfies your soul because the WORD OF GOD breathes life into your very veins.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
I challenge you to commit to a living, active relationship with Jesus today, tomorrow, and every day.
🌱 “Lord, this very week I am making space for You. I am seeking You.”
Prayer
Jesus,
Thank You for meeting me in ordinary places and filling them with extraordinary grace. Help me abide in You, worship You, and bloom in the space where You’ve planted me. Open my eyes to every reminder of blessing — even the ones sitting quietly on a windowsill. Let my life bloom with the same beauty, color, and courage You placed in this little cactus.
Amen.
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