PLANTING GOD’S WORD

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You all must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:19-21 NLT

My house barely has anything that can be called a yard. There is beautiful sunlight every day at the back on the house, but no space for a garden. However, there is a good-sized patio. On the patio, I had 2 raised beds for plants. When my sister came to live with me, I quickly had 2 more raised beds and at least 6 more large flowerpots. In no time at all, there were all sorts of plants growing: tomatoes, peppers, butternut squash and even a watermelon! The plants were lovingly tended and produced a surprising amount of food, which we all enjoyed throughout the growing season. 

Thinking of God’s word as planted in our hearts makes me think of these “crops”.  It’s not just good enough to put a seed in the soil. The seed needs fertile soil, water, and sunlight. As the seed begins to sprout, it needs to continue to receive water and sunlight. As the plant begins to grow, it may need added support, especially when the fruit or vegetable starts to form. In order to be able to harvest a crop, the plants need to be tended to regularly. 

God’s word, planted in our hearts, needs to be tended regularly as well. The word needs to be planted in fertile soil: the heart, soul, and mind that is receptive to taking in God’s word. God’s word needs to be watered: taking time to drink in the water of life found in God’s word. And God’s word needs plenty of sunshine: God’s word is the light of the world. Through it all, we sometimes need support, too. We need to be receptive to God’s word, drink it in and bask in His light! Then, we will be able to produce a crop that we can share with those around us, perhaps save other souls and give glory to the Lord through it.

Creator God, You have given us many blessings that constantly remind us of You. Everywhere we look in your creation, there are signs of You, even in a small patio garden. Thank you that You have planted Your word in our hearts. May Your word grow and produce a bountiful harvest that is pleasing to You. Amen. 



                                                                                      Denise Clark, CLM