Sometimes we pray for a breakthrough—but God gives us roots.

"Planted, Not Potted" was written during a season when I finally recognized why I ended up where I did. Honestly? I felt stuck. But studying the Hebrew word Shathal (שָׁתַל) reminded me: when God plants you, it’s on purpose. You’re not buried. You’re being established. That waiting season? That uncomfortable soil? That’s where fruit is formed—lasting fruit.

This song is a declaration of trust in the Gardener who doesn’t always explain His planting process… but never wastes a single root.

Lyrics: Planted, Not Potted

Inspired by Shathal (שָׁתַל) – Psalm 1:3 & Jeremiah 17:7–8Written for your Stillfire Devotionals / Faith Audio Arsenal

Verse 1

I thought I’d bloom in open spacesWhere the light felt soft and wideBut You placed me near the waterIn the soil I would’ve denied

I didn’t choose this holy groundBut You knew what I would needTo grow a faith that doesn’t bendWhen storms and droughts proceed

Chorus

I’m planted, not potted—this dirt is divineYou dug down deep where the Spirit can shineI won’t chase comfort, I won’t fear the rainMy roots are steady, You remainI’m not in a cage—I’m in a planYou’re growing fruit by Your own handI’m planted, not potted—I’m held by the Gardener’s hand

Verse 2

I’ve seen the potted ones get liftedWhen the weather’s not their friendBut You said stay, and so I stayedAnd found Your mercy doesn’t end

No withered leaves, no shallow faithI’m not designed to tip or fadeI’m evergreen in barren landsBecause my roots in You are laid

Bridge

This isn’t exile—it’s assignmentThis isn’t punishment—it’s growthI’m not forgotten—I am rootedYou’re the Gardener—I’m Yours alone

Final Chorus (tagged)

I’m planted, not potted—Your Word is my rainYou prune with love, not guilt or shameYou grow the fruit that storms can’t stealYou make my weary branches healSo I’ll stay right here, my heart unplanned—Still steady in Your sovereign handI’m planted, not potted—Right where You’ve called me to stand

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