GOOD SOIL
The LORD said to Moses at Mount Sinai, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the LORD. For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the LORD.”
Leviticus 25:1-4 (NIV)
Observing how God created nature gives us little glimpses into what rhythms our hearts need to be healthy. Any avid gardener is concerned about the state of their soil. They understand that a thriving crop depends on the soil condition in which it’s planted. Good soil isn’t perfect soil. Rather, good soil comes from consistent tending over the seasons and decades. Good soil is rhythmically worked, cultivated, fertilized and rested.
A season of rest is essential to the health of the soil and the production of good fruit. The Lord taught His people this when He created seasons and implemented intentional Sabbath years for the land. Though it may seem as if nothing is happening on the surface, the reality is that soil at rest enters a time of renewal and preparation. As the ground rests, its energy is restored, seeds begin to germinate, beneficial organisms are built up, harmful bacteria are destroyed, moisture is conserved, and erosion is reduced—all setting the stage for abundant growth in the coming seasons.
To say in a simplified way,
- Rest prepares.
- Rest connects.
- Rest heals.
- Rest reveals.
- Rest protects.
This reality of nature teaches us fundamental truths for our hearts. Rest is essential for our hearts to be open and receptive to the Word of God and His ways. Rest provides our hearts space to connect, listen, delight and just be with God, self and others. Just as the land requires seasons of stillness to remain fertile, our spiritual health needs a sabbath. When practiced alongside other spiritual rhythms—prayer, confession, faith, hope, celebration, service, evangelism and others—our hearts are transformed into good soil.
APPLICATION: Think about a time—past or present—when a moment, day or season of rest prepared, refreshed, healed or protected you. Thank the Lord for those times, and ask Him to teach you to live from a posture of rest in all you do.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for not being in a hurry. Every season of life I go through with You has intention and purpose. Teach me more about Your ways. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?