Heart-Soil

I have a little book I like to peruse every so often. It's a devotional book of sorts that uses the idea of gardening to explain a person's relationship with Christ. Well, gardening is one of my favorite past-times. And I definitely need reminders to continue growing closer to the Lord on life's journey. Thus, "Down a Garden Path" by Karla Dornacher was written for the likes of me. :)

One of the points in this book reminds us that "beautiful blooms and a bountiful harvest require good soil." To quote more insightful words from this book...

"Good heart-soil is an ongoing, never-ending process. As you open your heart to the tender hand of the Master Gardener, He is able to till the hard places, remove the rocks, and pull up the weeds of the world that would entangle and choke out the life of His love. Take time to cultivate your relationship with the Master Gardener. Ask Him to show you any areas of your heart-soil where you need to let go and let Him work. Seek to be the beautiful and bountiful garden He designed you to be."

And then Karla Dornacher quotes a phrase from a familiar psalm, "Search me O God, and know my heart".

Wow, those words! I remember many a church communion service where the hymn, written from that psalm, was sung. The words brought my heart, mind, and soul into a quiet and reverent place of humility and dependence. I couldn't help but do some soul-searching and vow right there in the church pew to allow the Master Gardener to cultivate my heart-soil.

I've often wanted to write out the words to this hymn and post it where I could read them daily. I need a regular reminder to weed out worldly influences, plant seeds of God's Word, and cultivate my heart-soil in order to attain a beautiful and bountiful life in His eyes.

So, as I enjoy my spring planting, thank you, Karla Dornacher, for this timely reminder. And in case you're not familiar with the psalm she referenced, read these verses and see if they don't move you in some way.

Psalm 139:23, 24

"Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."