The Father Leads

The ground has been broken, fertilized, and planted.  Last year I was too zealous and we planted a garden much to big for us to tend.  The weeds took over and the harvest was very little.  This year we have planted seven small beds with vegetables.  Seeds have been sown, hope has been planted.

The final seeds and plants went in the ground yesterday.  The soil is so dry and thirsty from lack of rain.  Water is gathered from a creek beside the garden and gently poured on the ground.  

Today there is the promise of rain hanging in the air, it smells like rain, clean and fresh.  Thunder and lightening crackle in the air as we wait and hope.

Psalm 107 comes to mind… “They were hungry and thirsty…He turned the parched ground into flowing springs…”  I have been staying in place here, Psalm 107:4-9, 35-36, for four days of the seven-day stay.  The soil of my heart has been prepared, hope has been planted.  Standing still and firm I read, “They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress…He led them…”  

The rain comes across the hill and drops gently on the ground and then harder it pings on the tin roof.  It sings a song of refreshing.  “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love, and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty…”  The Father leads and I follow Him into the desert.  The place that began with dust flying up in my face has become an oasis with pools of refreshing water. 

In the desert there is a company of faith heroes who have traveled here before.  One is Moses who met God in flames of fire on the far side of the desert (Exodus 3:2-3).  “God sent Moses to the back side of the desert, away from the distractions of Egypt to get his attention.”₁ “He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle…there he brought the hungry to live.”  
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₁John Bevere, Drawing Near, p.92