“The Lord planted a garden eastward in Eden… And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food… Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” Genesis 2:8-9, 15
The Garden
My mother had a green thumb. She planted as many varieties of flowers as would grow in our Southern California climate, along with fruit trees and vines of every sort. We were well-fed with fresh fruits and vegetables. I have tried to replicate her gardens, but alas, the squirrels, blue jays, rabbits, insects, and moles prevent a harvest.
God chose the perfect place to plant His garden. We know this because Eden means “delight”—and besides, when did God ever do anything that was less than perfect?
I’ve been thinking lately about gardens, and outdoor spaces in general. There is just something about them, perhaps something unidentifiable, something we can’t find words to express. The outdoors just grabs us, calls to us, refreshes us, seems to bring life and light and breath to whatever is stale, rotted, or stagnant in us.
I know some people who have a desperate, physical need to be outside for some portion of each day. Without it, they are either depressed, anxious or restless. I am one who will sit a long time looking out the window at the wind, rain, trees, and birds; I especially love the coast, rivers, and streams.
Wouldn’t you know it? Scientists are discovering that spending time in nature calms our frantic, tense, anxious minds and hearts. They are actually attaching electrodes to people’s heads so they can measure whatever it is they measure to decide that open, green spaces are beneficial to mankind.
God’s ways are perfect. Didn’t He put man in a garden to begin with? Didn’t He promise rest? Doesn’t He give us green pastures to lie down in? Doesn’t He lead us by still waters? And by these, He restores our soul (Psalm 23:2-3).
God knows what is best for us. We can’t always return to what He originally intended, but surely detaching from the world for a time so that we can be refreshed is something we can practice. Let’s get into a place where we can tune out the noise and tune in His voice.
What’s He saying to you in the stillness? “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away” (Song of Solomon 2:10).
“Father, You have created beautiful places for us. May we seek and find them, and be refreshed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Amen.
So true!
This is such a lovely devotional, thank you for writing it! I have bennn noticing that I am becoming one of those people who have to get outside every day. I sit with a good book and read. I have been hustling to get all of my work and chores done for the day so that I can go outside. This devotional is a reminder to me that God has provided that space for me; the physical space, and also the space in my day to refresh in this way. What I realized last week is that most of my life, I have lived in loud city places, and while I enjoy that, I now live in a place that is actually quiet. I’ve been noticing how many varieties of birds there are here, how melodic and peaceful it is just to hear their various songs. I sat and tried to count how many different bird songs I could hear the other day; I lost count.
So thank you for this post. God used it to remind me that He indeed provided this outdoor garden space for me and that He is indeed meeting me there. I am thankful! It has been a painful season of loved ones dying, and God is giving me this place and time to daily rest and restore my weary heart. Thank you! God bless you!
What a beautiful reminder of His creation He gave us to enjoy
Beautifully written! It reminds us that the Lord has blessed us with His creation from the very start. It explains why I want to be outside so much! Thank you!
Nothing more Beautiful. Amen.