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Our creator Himself ordained the four seasons in the Bible, and like Daniel, I praise Him because “He changes times and seasons.” (Daniel 2:21) It is by His authority that year after year, the seasons change in the same order. Each change reminds me of the certainty of His Sovereign promises, His creative power, and His timetable.
In particular, the change from winter to spring fills me with joy. As the world around me thaws, I’m filled with hope for the explosion of color, sounds, and smells to come. The long season of winter-bareness and dormancy gives way to spectacular growth.
I plan my garden carefully each late winter; taking note of what has worked in the past, and new plants I wish to add. I can barely wait for the ground to thaw so I can get to work!
I love many things about gardening, but one of my favorite aspects is discovering the Scriptural truth and lessons that correlate with my actions. If I want to have a healthy, productive garden, the soil needs to be enriched with nutrients each spring.
The importance of fertile garden soil reminds me of the Parable of the Four Soils, or Sower. Jesus speaks on the different kinds of soils and how conducive they were for seed growth. According to Luke, the seed that landed on “good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15.
The added nutrients need to get to my plants somehow, and water does the job. It travels back and forth from roots to leaves, nourishing the plant completely. If my plants don’t receive enough water, the roots grow shallow, the plant gets droopy, and it can’t produce the fruit or flower it should. Watering my garden when it is dry is an essential job.
Just as God gives the blessing of rain to our plants, He promises “streams of living water” (John 7:38) to our souls for spiritual renewal and refreshment. This water quenches our spiritual thirst for God and gives us eternal life. We have lasting satisfaction when we receive Jesus into our thirsty spirit.
As fresh new shoots of plants and flowers come to life, I think of the wondrous gift of our new life in Christ. We leave the cold darkness of our old life to live and grow in the everlasting source of our life and light, Jesus.
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John 1:4.
Just as physical light gives energy for plants to grow and produce fruit, Jesus’ light of truth gives us what we need to grow as well. He is the energy source for all that is truthful, right and genuine in our lives.
Nutrient-rich soil, adequate water, and abundant sunlight are all essentials for a beautiful, productive garden. When in harmony, these three things produce roots that go down deep into the ground to provide nourishment for the rest of the plant. A deep root anchors firmly, helping the plant withstand winds and storms.
We too need to be deeply rooted in Christ. We need to tap into His streams of living water, the nutrients of His Word, and to turn our faces to the Son to grow strong enough to withstand life’s storms.
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11.
How do you picture yourself in God’s Garden? Consider this:
I love flowers- all kinds, shapes, and colors. When I first started gardening, I was trying to be economical in my plantings. I started seeds of annuals inside in late winter and carefully tended them until I could move them outside.
I ordered bags of “mixed bulbs” and was amazed at what grew over the spring and summer.
Perennials are quite expensive, so I would order “grab bags” of whatever full sun plants were available. One assortment arrived with what appeared to be three dead sticks. I planted them per the instructions anyway, and amazingly, they produced three gorgeous hibiscus plants as advertised!
My father-in-law grew the most beautiful hybrid tea roses, and he shared all his knowledge, tips, and tricks with me. They were the one plant I splurged on and bought as a mature plant.
Do you recognize yourself in any of these garden plants? Do you feel like a seedling? Just beginning, needing some extra care in learning how to study and live for Christ?
How about those bulbs? They contain stored-up energy, and if they aren’t planted, they can’t bloom. Is that you? You have the knowledge; you just need to be planted and nourished in God’s Garden. You have so much potential!
Maybe you’re a mature plant, soaking up the sunlight and nutrients, blooming for all to see.
Or maybe you feel like a dead stick… Not sure you have the potential to grow let alone produce a flower of fruit even if you were planted.
Each one of us is a beautiful and unique creation; carefully crafted in His image. We are brought to life and nourished by His love and Word. Planted together, with all our different colors, heights, blooms, and fragrances, we can be a gorgeous, lush garden that produces much fruit!
Plant yourself in Him and receive the nourishment from His Word. No matter what your “plant status”- mature plant, bulb, seed or dead stick, He wants to use you, refresh you, and help you grow for His kingdom.
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.” Colossians 2:7
Blessings for abundant growth!
AnnMarie Anderson answered the call to reach busy women with the hope and encouragement of God’s Word in 2017,
publishing weekly uplifting blog posts and offering a free Biblical Resource Library. She had been in that busy place of job, home, family, and commitments with little time or energy to dig into the Bible. You can find her at busyblessedwomen.com, facebook.com/busyblessedwomen, and pinterest.com/busyblessedwomen
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