How does your garden grow?
My garden is being ravaged and pillaged by predators. At first, they were content nibbling at the edges and staying at a safe distance. I enjoyed watching them quietly work their way through the outskirts of my yard. They were timid, gentle, harmless deer bringing nature and creation close.
Now, I have a herd. They have moved in to steal, kill, and destroy. They have increased and multiplied. They are bold and unafraid. They stomp, tromp, and chomp through my flower garden. I have no blooms, no fruit, nothing to enjoy from my labors. Examining the latest raid, I felt invaded and angry. I’m in a battle.
Picture your spiritual life as a garden.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
GUARD. TEND. CULTIVATE.
Sin may start small and occasional, but it grows bold and multiplies. Think of criticism, complaining, begrudging, resentment, worry, lying, deception, gossip (to name a few) and how they all grow and threaten to take over the thoughts and intents of your heart. What appears harmless is often an invitation for the enemy to enter and continue to take over. He will ravage, plunder, and rob your heart and soul of spiritual fruit and steal the joy of the Lord.
Tending the soil of your heart requires vigilance, persistence, and commitment.
Every day, I need to deliberately place a guard over my mind and mouth. It starts with renewing my mind in the Word, praying for clean hands and a pure heart, putting on the full armor of God, and the Holy Spirit.
I’m taking measures to keep the deer out! I will not surrender my fruit to them. I’m offering you some measures here and urge you to stand your ground against the enemy of your soul.
Psalm 141:3: Set a guard.
Romans 12:2: Renew your mind.
Psalm 24:3-4: Clean hands, pure heart.
Ephesians 6:11: Full armor.
Galatians 5:25: Live and walk in the Spirit.
