Walks in our Canadian garden.

During worship in church a couple of weeks ago I saw a garden where God walked among us. As I watched him walk, I began to see us – his children – in different scenarios.

The first scene I saw was people sat in tangled weeds and undergrowth – head in hands not knowing where to begin.

The next I saw were people hiding behind trees, glancing out occasionally but hiding.

The next I saw were people who had climbed up trees… familiar story?

I looked across and saw people tending a section of garden, beautiful flowers, vibrant colours – this group had their backs turned to the rest of those in the garden.

There were people wandering around the garden and not settling.

Then there were many giving out from their areas.

The beauty of this picture was as the Lord walked amongst us in our own space – there was no condemnation. He walked as a friend, drawing us, wooing us, pursuing – he had gentleness in His eyes and oozed love.

God walks amongst us.

His presence …

will address any alienation or isolation we might feel.

will pour out love over fear.

will strengthen us to find our way out of the weeds.

will call us to make our home in Him.

will call us to face one another in true community.

This speaks of intimacy – God is calling us to a new intimacy in Him.

The book of Songs is where I am camping out at the moment… I think I’ll be here a while. As we acknowledge our place in the garden. The Lord is speaking this word from Song of Solomon 2:14 “…Let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”

Let him see your face. The real you. Let him hear your voice. He is interested in all you have to say.

This isn’t about sitting pretty in our gardens,

‘It is time to bloom where you’re planted..then you and those around you will know the sweet fragrance of Christ’

Walks in our English garden.

‘Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. Psalm 105:4

‘My lover is already on his way to his garden, to browse among the flowers, touching the colors and form. I am my lover’s and my lover is mine. He caresses the sweet-smelling flowers’. Song of Songs. 6:2

N.T Wright writes ‘If you don’t want your garden to grow weeds, one of the best ways is to keep it well stocked with strong, sturdy flowers and shrubs. If you don’t want your mind and heart to go wandering off into the realms of darkness, one of the best ways is to keep them well stocked with wise and thankful themes’.

Hope these words of encouragement bless you – you are loved – you have a place. Let Him see your face and hear your voice.

Stay in touch,

Love, Michelle