Gardening the Soil of Your Soul

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (ISAIAH 40:8 esv)

I heard someone say, “It’s the roots, not the blooms, that bear the fruit in your life.” The only way this can happen is when you are planted firmly beside living water.

Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing (Ezekiel 47: 11 -13, NIV).

This same living water is for you, too. Dan and I know first hand that God is alive and active today. He continues to be our Comforter and Healer. He is our joy, an ever present help in time of need. We are so grateful for this season of gardening, because we were reminded that only through what Jesus did on the cross are we able to experience this miracle called abundant life.

Will you roll up your sleeves and make time for the Master Gardener, allowing Him to nourish the soil of your soul? I sincerely pray you will.

Originally published in 2014.

UPDATE

Earlier this summer I walked out of the oncology center all clear and in remission after a five-year journey surviving breast cancer. While an initial sigh of relief came over me, tears began to stream down my face. It was as if my fist had been clenched tight for five years holding fast to my Savior in the midst of a storm.

That season was a true gift of suffering. I know God is good in ALL things. When our roots are planted firmly in His truths and promises, He will sustain us in the midst of the storm. And if we are willing to trust Him, He will reveal something new!
LARA GOPP
is a writer, speaker, and media professional, presently working as the Director of Communications for the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Lara also loves using her creative gifts to encourage teens and challenge women from all walks of life to stop simply existing and to start living large for Christ. She resides in Irmo, SC along with her husband, Dan, and their daughter, Abigail.