What makes a garden grow? Is it silver bells and cockle shells? Remember that nursery rhyme? Mary was quite contrary I hear.
Seriously, what makes a seed sprout into a beautiful blossomed display, as we see in a lovely Cherry Blossom tree?
Here’s a verse I’ve been focused on: “I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, He outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara. For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, so the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations.” Isaiah 61: 11, Msg
I love The Message version of this scripture. It portrays the emotions and the beauty of a blossoming man or woman of God, who is exploding in their soul with joy, because of the goodness of God. His praise is released from us, and on display, just as the earth is bursting forth with spring. He causes us to bloom and blossom.
Do we display God, and His beauty? He has said, “We are a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Isaiah 61: 3 It’s all about revealing Him.
So back to my original question. What actually does make a garden grow?Water, sunshine and good soil causes growth.
Spiritually, where have you planted that has not taken root nor blossomed yet? If we don’t see any roots that have sprouted, do we wait to see the blooming, or do we change the location where we have planted? Sometimes, we are to plant in another place, or with different folks.
When we plant seeds, we must depend on water to nourish the soil. Watering the place where you planted, spiritually, is important. It does require attention, patience and continual watering.
There is a purpose that will be accomplished when we release the promises of God. Sowing words of encouragement is like scattering seeds into the soil, not knowing which ones will take root, be grounded and grow. I like digging deeper and giving that seed a better chance to root. This is probably the reason why my posts are so long!
God does promise: “My Word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve (what I please) that purpose for what I sent it.” Isaiah 55: 11, Emphasis added
The seed sown, (God’s word), has to be what God desires, what He pleases to do with it. It’s all about His desires and His purposes, not ours. If we are walking closely with God, His desires become our desires. His heart and our heart, are one. They begin to beat as one.
Let’s look at it a different way. “To man belong the plans of the heart, but FROM THE LORD comes the reply of the tongue.” Proverbs 16: 1
Here’s another promise about stepping forth in our growth: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16: 9
In our decision making, are we waiting for God to reply? Before we merge ahead, it’s wise to wait and hear His voice on a matter. Wait for God’s opinion, not man’s. Not even a good plan is enough. If we then have peace in our hearts, we can proceed ahead.
This “hearing God” thing is a growing process. It would be awesome if God would speak audibly to us, and we would be guided and directed to the right way, all the time!
I am learning to wait on His reply, which comes through His Word, perhaps from a prophetic voice, or from that still small voice, my Beloved’s voice. In hearing His voice, the peace we have in our hearts is, usually, a strong indicator that we should proceed in that direction. No peace? Then wait!
When it is time to proceed, God will determine our steps and we will have continual peace in our hearts, peace to proceed in His plans.
Walking in His steps will enable us to walk in His direction, as He has charted the course.
If it helps, think of putting on the shoes of Jesus, as you walk in His steps. Our soles, become one, as He transforms our soul.
He has promised, “I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads.” Joshua 1: 3 If I am in His shoes, it’s His sole/soul treading.
Amazingly, I just discovered that to “tread” is to walk in a specified way. To “tread water” is to move limbs for the “sole” purpose of staying afloat.
If we are “treading” a specific way, His way, we will be walking in a “sole” purpose, His purpose! The wonderful thing is that we will “stay afloat.” He won’t allow us to sink.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Believe me, I know it is not. I always try and remember that even if I make a wrong turn, or step out of line, He has the authority and the permission, (that I have given to Him), to gently lead and guide. He has control over every aspect of my life and over every seed that needs to grow.
Seeds, steps, and all sole/soul searching are part of the growth process!
Letting The Master Have Full Control As My Soul Cries Out,
Mary Beth Pecora
