Garden: A Spiritual Journey

Throughout Scripture, gardens serve as profound symbols of God's presence, places of divine encounter, and metaphors for spiritual growth. From the paradise of Eden to the garden tomb, these cultivated spaces reveal deep truths about our relationship with God and the cultivation of the inner life.

Gardens in Scripture

An area planted with trees, shrubs, vegetables or flowers and often surrounded by a stonewall or thorn bushes. Vineyards often had watchtowers so the keeper could protect the crops (Mk 12:1).

There are notable gardens mentioned in the Bible. The Garden of Eden in which Adam and Eve lived until they sinned (Gen 2:8-3:24) represents the original paradise and perfect fellowship with God. The public garden of Gethsemane on the outskirts of Jerusalem, in which Christ was arrested before His crucifixion (Mt 26:36; Mk 14:32), became the scene of Jesus' surrender and obedience.

The word garden is also used figuratively – indicating prosperity, fruitfulness and spirituality – like a well-watered and cared-for garden as opposed to infertility and spiritual barrenness if it is not (Ps 1:3; Isa 1:30, 58:11; Jer 31:12). These images contrast the flourishing life rooted in God with the withered existence of those separated from Him.

The Inner Garden

The secret depths of our soul or heart is sometimes compared to a garden, with the Lord being the gardener who secretly enters, cultivating, planting, weeding, and nourishing the growth in anticipation of the harvest that will result in Him being glorified. No one is aware how much He labours in our life – but the results show.

What kind of crop do I allow to grow within?

Do I allow Him access and co-operate with Him in a one-on-one basis to bring forth an abundant harvest to bless others? It is essential we allow Him to do what He sees is best and so remain in Him for apart from His enablement we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Our inner man is capable of growing desirable or undesirable crops and often there is a combination of good and bad (Gal 5:15-23; Jas 3:9-12).

Cultivating the Heart

We are each responsible to take care of our heart, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Prov 4:23). Keeping our heart in a God-honouring way requires diligence – Bible reading, private and corporate prayer, worship, obedience to God, caring for the needs of others, sharing Christ with others, giving to the Lord's work, fellowship with God's people – the living out of the Christian faith.

We are to respond to the Spirit's nudges and exercise self-control, uprooting that which God did not plant is critical to protecting and maintaining the garden of your heart in a healthy state. An unkempt neglected garden is an eyesore of overgrown weeds.

Be sensitive and responsive to the Spirit

Planting Good Seed

The good seed is God's Word, but in order for it to grow in the heart, it must be planted (Ps 119:11). Jesus told a parable of four types of soil (Mt 13:3-9,18-23; Mk 4:1-9; Lk 8:5-15). One was hard and unreceptive to the seed (His Word). Another only had a shallow depth of fertile soil, and so the old resistant-to-God life soon determined the outcome.

The response of the third type also did not produce a crop, being overcome with the cares and desires of this world. The spiritual life being over-shadowed by the visible demands of the here and now. The fourth type of soil was well prepared and the seed not only sprouts but comes to maturity, producing a crop because of the long-term commitment to hear and obey.

For good seed to grow it must be planted

Breaking Up Hard Ground

To be productive, we must co-operate with Jesus to break up the hard impervious areas within – not just superficially but deep down and remain pliable to the Lord. God gives His children a new, soft heart but we must continue to work on it (Ezek 36:26). Then as the seed is planted, we must accept it, personalizing and obeying the Scriptures so they take root in an environment conducive to growth.

We must get rid of the destructive weeds of unforgiveness, painful memories hurts, fears, ungratefulness, bitterness, and distorted views of ourselves or God. The Bible says put to death the old life and put on the new (Gal 5:24; Eph 4:22,24; Col 3:5). By being in authentic fellowship with God's people, others can help us spot weeds we might miss.

The Abundant Harvest

When we fill our gardens with good thoughts and activities, it's harder for the weeds to find room to grow (Phil 4:8). A well-tended garden (both in the natural and spiritual realm) is captivating and brings joy to others and glory to the gardener.

Do you desire to produce an abundant harvest of good results so your lifestyle brings glory to God? If we receive and obey the Word, we will experience results, positive changes, and forward motion in our life, with the level of productivity dependent on the condition of our heart

Reflection and Application:

Examine the condition of your inner garden – what crops are currently growing, and what weeds need to be removed?
Consider areas of hardness in your heart that require the Lord's cultivating touch to become receptive soil for His Word
Commit to regular spiritual disciplines that plant good seed and nurture growth in your relationship with God.
Allow fellow believers to help you identify blind spots and weeds that hinder your spiritual fruitfulness.