Louise Gevers

"Happy are those who reject the advice of evil men, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night. They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do." Psalm 1:1-3 GNT

A life of simple faith and trust in God, and obedience to His Law, as seen in Psalm 1, brings great happiness and blessing in living. God blesses and provides for our needs in giving the Bible as our primary 'go to' source when we ask the questions, "Does God care about me?" and "Is He really on my side?" As we pore over its contents and get to know the Bible inside out, we learn how to live victoriously through difficulties and trials. Humility and reliance on God are vital for overcoming our day-to-day challenges.

We rejoice in discovering that God graciously and lovingly cares for His people, and that He is indeed our champion.

Once when I'd been praying about an important decision that I had to make, I came upon a verse from Ecclesiastes that decided me: "Do your planting in the morning and in the evening, too. You never know whether it will all grow well or whether one planting will do better than the other." (Ecclesiastes 11:6 GNT) These words embodied fullness of life in employing our God-given talents, and living in faith for the outcome.

Fulfilling experiences of God growing my garden inspired me. Planting seeds and shrubs and tending them over the months is very satisfying, but I'm always aware that my expertise in providing good growing conditions is limited. It's the Lord alone who makes my garden grow and determines its success – so I always trust Him to be with me and inspire me in whatever needs to be done, and my joy knows no bounds when it flourishes beautifully by His grace alone. How much more do we need Him in the garden of our lives?

We need to give God free rein in the same way in our lives: we submit to Him and do the physical work, but depend on Him to lead us through life's choices and experiences to make us grow and flourish like the trees of Psalm1 that "bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up".

Prayer: Loving Father, please open my eyes to the beauty You alone can produce in my life when I ask You to grow my garden. Please help me and equip me day by day by your Spirit and Your love. Thank You for always being on my side. Amen.