Confined

 God did what was needed for the Israelites to fill the land of Canaan, and He wants to establish you for productiveness: “Thou preparest room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land” (Psalm 80:9). 

If you replant a root-bound plant, its roots stay within the tight circular boundaries, unable to reach the surrounding soil—stunted. To help such a plant, gently loosen the roots before planting. If they are too entangled, make slits in the sides of the root ball and slice a deep x in the bottom before planting. Only then will the roots find their way into the surrounding soil.

You’re stuck, not moving backward, yet not moving forward. Every way you turn, you face a barrier. Like the pot plant, you may be root-bound. Maybe you’ve stopped reading and listening to God’s Word, and your negligence has your bound “roots” in need of nutrients. Ask God to loosen the matted mess that is choking your life spiritually; if precision cuts are needed, the discomfort is worth the outcome. As each root untangles, ask God for forgiveness (if needful) and wisdom as you delve into His Word for counsel and nourishment to grow. Once you are tangle-free and reach deep into the rich, fertile soil God has prepared, you will flourish and produce fruit for His glory.