“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me,’ and my heart responds, ‘LORD, I am coming.’”
Psalm 27:8

DEVOTION

In the past weeks, I have enjoyed seeing flowers blooming, trees budding, and other forms of nature waking up for spring. It’s a sign of something new in the midst of a season that has brought a halt to so many things. The endless colors and varieties of nature combined with the creative design of the gardeners is an assurance of God’s promise that he is always with us. I love how nature seems to enhance God’s presence and often leads me to have conversations with the Lord.

If you look for a mention of gardens in the Bible, you’ll find references to food or a location. Most gardens were designed with flowing water and plants that grew naturally in the area. A select number of these gardens were the backdrop for honest conversations between God or Jesus and those they love.

In Genesis, we find the garden known as Eden. God, the master gardener, creates man and woman to not only inhabit and care for the garden but to have fellowship with him. Genesis 3:8 says that the Lord God was “walking about in the garden” looking for Adam and Eve. The conversation that follows is a difficult but honest one as Adam and Eve confess their disobedience to God resulting in some strong discipline for them.

We see another conversation in the garden of Gethsemane as Jesus pours out his heart to God just hours before the crucifixion takes place (Matthew 26:39-44). Through his lengthy conversation with God, Jesus accepts that the time has come to be the sacrifice for our sin—a difficult and transparent conversation for Father and Son.

In chapters 19 and 20 of John’s gospel, we find the garden that was the location of the tomb where Jesus was buried. John’s gospel gives the account of Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb only to find that Jesus was not there. A conversation follows between Mary Magdalene and Jesus as he reveals his identity to her. Mary is overjoyed to learn that Jesus is alive.

While many of us do not have a physical garden such as the ones mentioned in Scripture, we can still have conversations with God “in the garden,” knowing he longs to talk with us! Psalms 27:8 says, “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me,’ and my heart responds, ‘LORD, I am coming.’"

So, find your garden, have a conversation with the Lord, pour out your heart to him, and listen for his response as you walk with him. You will find comfort in being in his presence, and you will experience the assurance of God’s promise that he is always with you.

PRAYER

Lord,

We are so thankful you are always with us, and you long to have conversations with us. As we walk with you, help us to pour out our hearts to you and listen for your voice. We find comfort in your presence and in knowing you are always with us.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Sheila Urton

Project Management Controller

surton@crossings.church

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