Harvest Bounty
August 30, 2022 by Cindy Martin
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Cindy Martin –
I’m writing this on the heels of canning some of the bountiful harvest available in our area. A soothing touch settles on my soul when I see jars of fruit, jams, jellies and other tasty delights lined up on my countertop and in my canning pantry. Besides the sense of accomplishment, it also brings feelings of satisfaction and a sense of being prepared for the long winter ahead. This year’s crops were especially abundant and as I reflected on the reason, I realized that it was because of all the rain. All the moisture (which seemed to arrive daily) sprinkled with periodic doses of sunshine, produced near perfect growing conditions for plants and weeds alike. Some of the places where I picked berries were knotted with weeds and thistles as high as the berry bushes, yet there was luscious fruit tucked under their vibrant green leaves. I was regularly surprised at where I’d find flourishing fruit.
It made me think of the life-giving power of God’s word. As the truth of His word saturates our souls, we are able to produce spiritual bounty in spite of the weeds in us and around us. Many times there are circumstances in our lives – some of our own making and some not – that would seem to choke out any attempts we may make at living a God honoring life. Yet letting the principles of God’s word transform our attitudes, actions and responses to the “weeds” of our life can and will produce the sustaining fruit of the Spirit -fruit that is real and meaningful, not fake and contrived.
While sunshine is definitely needed in the growth process, I was struck by the fact that it was heavy amounts of rain that brought the increase. Similarly, regular and sometimes intense doses of God’s word is what’s needed to keep us on track and develop the character that brings the spiritual increase we’re looking for.
“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit” (John 15:5 NKJV).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as rain brings life-giving moisture to the ground, may Your Spirit irrigate my soul with Your word.
Cindy and her husband of 23 years live with their two special needs children near Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is passionate about people experiencing the difference Jesus desires to make in their everyday lives. This passion finds expression in her speaking, writing and teaching. Visit www.lifemeetsreality.com for more information.