By: Donna Bucher
Planning my flowerpots for this
year had me dwelling much on "planting" in recent weeks, and I love
object lessons; especially the ones we learn from nature. This week I'll share
with you a few fun ideas I found relating spring planting to the Christian
walk. Grab your gardening gloves and tools and join me in the garden!
Peace
When I choose a spot for a plant or seeds outside, I usually look
for a spot that will not be disturbed. Tiny plants or seeds cannot grow in a
busy area, as they would be trampled underfoot before they could become
established. It's the same for a larger plant; it needs "space" to
settle and send out roots.
So it is in our Christian walk,
we need "space" for quiet, undisturbed time with God so we can become
strong and established. If we are constantly surrounded by distractions and
noise, our growth is stunted. (Isaiah 30:15, Philippians 4:7)
"In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in
confidence shall be your strength"
Isaiah 30:15
Love
As I consider which plants and flowers to include in my pots and
gardens I only plant those which delight me! In other words, I choose my very
favorite flowers and plants only. And no one sows weeds in their gardens!!
In our Christian walk we must
choose things that increase and demonstrate our love for God and others.
Spending time with God in prayer, worship and Bible reading, is how we
"know" God, and knowing God is loving God. (Luke 10:27) We love
others by helping meet needs, showing kindness and respect. (Philippians 2:3)
"Love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy
mind"
Luke
10:27
Abide
Generally,
when we plant seeds or a plant, we leave it in the spot we plant it. While we
certainly can transplant, it's best not to continue moving the plant from place
to place as it causes trauma to the plant.
Have you noticed in your
spiritual life how much better it is to "abide" in Christ? When we
do, we find rest, security, strength, and we bear much fruit! (John 15:4-5, John 15:7)
"If
ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it
shall be done unto you."
John 15:7
Nourishment
Another thing we do for our plants and seeds we have planted, is
provide nourishment for them. We water them, make sure they have light, good soil,
and fertilizer.
Did you know we benefit from
the same care? God is a tender, caring gardener, providing us with light, clean
water for drinking and bathing and good food! But He not only takes care of our
bodies, He provides nourishment for our souls in His Word! (Psalm 103:5, Psalm119:105, Psalm 1:3, Ephesians 5:26)
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of
water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not
wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Psalm 1
Trust
Finally, whether we plant seeds or
plants, the final outcome is really a matter of trust. We wait for the harvest
or for a time of blooming, even with excellent care the result remains out of
our control.
This is where our Christian
walk differs, for our outcome is secure; if we are in Christ, we have an
eternal home in heaven. But trust in God is required for life events, trials
and suffering we face in this life. (Psalm 112:7, Psalm 143:8, Jeremiah17:7-8)
"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness
in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I
should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."
Psalm 143:8
As you ponder all spring has for
you, even if gardening brings you no delight, breathe in the benefits of Peace,
Love, Abiding, Nourishment, and Trust the Lord offers each day.
May you PLANT beauty in your life through God's abundant goodness.
You may have noticed these beautiful benefits spelled PLANT; to help you
remember in an easy way!
I had so much fun putting this together, I also
made you a special bookmark with the PLANT acronym and
verses on it for your Bible!
Simply click HERE to download yours today!
Which area of the PLANT acrostic is the
most difficult for you?
How can you plant in your Christian walk more
favorably this spring?
Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity
in Suffering!
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Donna, the acronym is wonderful and the bookmark is lovely! Every one of these "tools" is needed but the one that spoke to my heart was Trust >> "We wait for the harvest or for a time of blooming, even with excellent care the result remains out of our control." It is all in His time, in His control. May we plant the seeds and trust Him to water them and bring the growth. Most encouraging!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, so pleased you found the post (and the bookmark!) a blessing. Trust is a good one, and for me, "Abiding", so often I refuse to sit still with God and rest where He has me!
ReplyDeleteDonna, so good and I love the acrostic! I’m definitely working on planting more this spring as I draw close to God.
ReplyDelete