What is in Your Garden

Genesis 2:8 The idea of a garden began from the beginning of time.

Ecclesiastes 2:5 Some gardens are elaborate. Our spiritual garden may start very simply.

Luke 13:18,19 Jesus often used examples of soil and ground. This was something relatable in that culture.

Matthew 13:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 “If you have ears to hear the spiritual meaning, take it seriously and use it for your benefit.” God's desire is for me to bring forth fruit.

Matthew 13:18,19,20,21,22,23 To produce fruit, I have to have good ground.

No two gardens are alike. A garden changes from year to year. There’s a rhythm of life. Things bloom and die sometimes over a few weeks.

Gardens take a lot of consistent work: adding amendment, pulling weeds, watering, watching for pests. Neglect begins to have a bigger impact as time goes on.

Sometimes we need help with our garden. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help! Hardship can be something God uses to help me in the next phase of my life. The garden is always changing.

Regularly tending means I can notice subtle changes that can be impactful. Pulling weeds before they go to seed means I can manage this situation early. Just as with literal weeds, spiritual weeds are best seen and removed when I am on my knees.

Some weeds look like beneficial plants. Seek God’s mind.

Hard pruning is shocking, but this is what brings beautiful growth. Sometimes things happen that are really disappointing; it doesn’t bring positive growth. It’s crushing and we have to start over.

We need to add nutrients to our spiritual life: lessons, songs, testimonies. More nutrients make me able to produce more fruit; certain nutrients meet specific needs.

Ephesians 5:25,26 During difficult times, turn toward God, not away.

Wind and storms can negatively impact a garden. There may scars or indicators and damage from significant events. The Master Gardener can help.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying our garden. This is what the garden is for. It’s hard to enjoy the garden when I see things that need work. Consistent work will bring peace and rest. When I have tended my spiritual garden and done the work it is easier to be at peace in really hard trials.

Heaven will be perfect. We must learn to be comfortable with a little bit of a mess while we are living life.

A “secret garden” is a place and time where I can get alone with God and listen to His voice.