When God planted the garden of Eden, He provided something that is still very important to every garden today. He provided a source of water.
And a river went out of Eden to water the garden…
Genesis 2:10
God provided a constant source of water for everything planted there in Eden. Water is crucial for all garden life.
- Water nourishes the cells of the plants in the garden. Plants are 80-90% water. They need water – quite literally – to hold them up. Without it, they would just lay on the soil, where they’d be susceptible to disease and rot and pests.
- Water helps plants regulate their temperature. They tend to remain too hot or too cold for too long without water.
- Water carries nutrients from the soil to the plants. All those microorganisms and elemental nutrients that are needed to grow the plant are carried to it by the water coursing through the soil.
- Water can remove contaminants and pests. Blasting detrimental bugs off a garden plant is one of the best ways to get rid of them.
- Water is necessary for photosynthesis. Plants use water, combined with the light from the sun to create the energy they need to grow and reproduce.
Scripture tells us that Water is crucial for all spiritual life, too.
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Isaiah 55:10-11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
The Word of God is our source of spiritual Water:
- God’s Word nourishes us. It helps us remain upright in character and morality.
- Reading our Bibles keeps us from being too hot – critical of others – and too cold – uncaring about others.
- Studying the Scriptures brings us instruction, guidance, good doctrine and direction – the “nutrients” that will help us to grow as Christians.
- The Word of the Lord washes out harmful thoughts, sinful desires and selfish tendencies that will harm us and keep us from becoming the Christian God wants us to be.
- We must have the Words of the Bible flowing through our hearts and minds to grow as a Christ-follower and lead others to Him.
The gardening experts tell us the best time to water the garden is in the morning, before the heat of the day exhausts the plants and before the pests wake up to do their damage in the croft.
It’s a good practice to get the Word of God washing through your heart every morning. Before the day begins to rush forward, before the demands of others begin to pluck on our nerves – this is when we should be soaking our souls in His Bible, gaining the spiritual nutrients we need for the day ahead.
How well are you watering the Garden of your Heart?
If you’re feeling a bit weak or parched, attacked or stagnant, get your feet wet in the Water of His Word today.
Crofting for Him,
Alesha Kay
Obtaining Mercy 