The
sultry days of summer loom ahead, full of promise and potential. For our yard,
this means a number of things. The work of planting is done. Time to make the
transition to fertilizing what has been planted.
Beautiful
fuchsia and white flowers have graced our azaleas and camellias this year,
their nearly perfect blooms reminding us that it is time for their June
feeding. To ensure hearty annuals, we apply fertilizer monthly during their
growing season. Our perennials follow a different schedule, requiring us to
apply fertilizer only once during the summer. Although the needs of each
plant-type vary somewhat, each is in need of fertilizer which provides
necessary nutrients so each plant can make its own food through photosynthesis.
Surprisingly,
we're very similar to these plants. Following salvation, each of us is in need
of 'fertilizer' in order to guarantee our proper growth. God gives us the Bible
as a guide book to provide the 'nutrients' we need in order to make good life
choices. The Apostle Paul encourages us,
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV).
Just
as plants have unique requirements, the Lord knows our needs may differ from
the needs of others. This poses no obstacle for our Creator. His word is able
to meet every need, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews
11:6).
As we allow
Christ to fertilize our heart's soil, we will become more and more like the tree
described by the prophet Jeremiah, "For he shall be as a tree planted by
the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see
when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the
year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:8).
As you
care for your garden this summer, choose to allow the Master Gardener to have
access to the soil of your heart. Submitting to His will and way will yield
fruit beyond compare!
