In God's Garden

Previously posted on my web site in May 2009: http://extravagantlife.net/site/.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).
Looking outside my window, on this lovely spring day, I see a plump robust garden bursting forth in brilliance. The fragrant air with its honeysuckle scent awakens my senses, while the juicy rich forest is so prolific I can’t take my eyes off of it. Although May in Raleigh is always beautiful, 2009 is particularly fascinating to me. I did not expect our yard to look so “green and alive” after just surviving the worst drought in 100 years. It’s fascinating to see this miracle before me, and I wonder how God does this.

When our house was completed in the summer of 2004, my husband asked the builder not to lay the sod until October. He wanted time to prepare the soil for the trees, shrubs, and grass knowing that the right foundation would give the plants the best chance of survival. Each week he had truckloads of luscious organic topsoil delivered to our house, and rented the necessary equipment to evenly distribute the soil throughout the yard. “Why the big fuss?” I wondered. “I don’t see anyone else in our subdivision doing this. Is it really worth all the trouble and expense we are incurring to lay down good topsoil? Won’t the grass and trees be just fine planted over this red clay that North Carolina is famous for?” My husband responded to my questioning his wisdom by simply saying, “You have to trust me on this one”.

In earlier years he was a farmer. He’d owned several homes and tended many gardens. I was the novice among us having no knowledge of either. So all summer long while our neighbors enjoyed their beach and mountain excursions, I grumbled under my sweaty brow while swatting away mosquitoes. Our weekends were spent toiling in the yard planting perennials, and covering the topsoil with plastic to prevent the rains from washing it away. Jon seemed to derive a great deal of satisfaction over this hard work; he was focused on the long-term benefits. Mine was the short-sighted view.

I couldn’t see past my momentary suffering as others around me were allowed to relax and play. I was tired. My corporate job consumed much of my energy during the week, and preparing the yard for planting took what was left. My husband works a rotating shift that affords him much more time off than I have. Although I tried to mask my feelings of exhaustion, he saw through the facade. One night as we laid the sprinkler system in the earth just days before the sod arrived, Jon said to me, “I know this hasn’t been easy for you, but it will all be worth it if a drought comes.” How prophetic Jon’s words turned out to be as God used them to teach me not only about our earthly garden, but His spiritual one.

Within three years Raleigh was in a drought that took us down to a thirty-day water supply if God didn’t send rain. No sprinkler systems could be used. As I poured recycled water on our plants from pots I kept under faucets inside our home, my prayers were desperate for the Lord to help us. “Father, there is only so much we can do. We can keep the vegetation alive for a little while in our own strength, but very soon the water supply is going to dry up. Not only will the plants die, but so will the wildlife and eventually humans.” I began to realize how utterly dependant we are on God to provide for our needs, and that human effort is not an inexhaustible resource. Scanning the neighborhood I could see the evidence of dying trees and charred grass that was planted on clay soil. The roots had no depth. While our yard had some brown spots, the deep topsoil and mulch covering contained enough moisture and nutrients to keep the plants alive. Although some trees didn’t bloom during the drought, I learned they were conserving their resources while clinging for their lives to the foundation we’d laid.

Mercifully, the Lord answered our prayers for rain and eased the pain of the drought. Suddenly something amazing emerged before our eyes. The forest that appeared to be stunted in its growth stood up tall and strong as if its branches were reaching toward heaven in gratitude. Somehow the drought had made them more resilient. God spoke to my heart one day as I was admiring the flowers in my garden, telling me this miracle of nature is an example of what happens in the spiritual realm.

When God allows seasons of dryness to enter into my life He’s longing to reveal more of Himself to me, and to others who are watching. The question then becomes, “Do I trust Jesus or myself for my survival? What is my faith rooted in?” When my soul is planted on the life-giving soil of God’s Word and my spirit receives His life-sustaining water, I will bloom as a bright flower that invites others into God’s garden. So will you! “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).
Your fellow sojourner,

Mary