It had been awhile since it rained, but the weeds were thriving in the flower beds. I decided to reclaim the space for the flowers. The ground was hard and each weed was a challenge. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that the weeding I was doing was likely a waste of time. The weeds mostly broke off at ground level without much of the root system coming out.
I thought about how it is quite a bit like my life. I have often tried to rid my life of a certain habit, thought pattern, or behavior. At first I am hopeful and it appears I have succeeded, but then the undesired trait or habit begins to grow again from the roots left behind in the hardened corners of my heart.
Hurts, disappointments, past tendencies, anger and negative influences can harden all of our hearts. We need to spend more time soaking in the things that bring us closer to God and subsequently soften our hearts.
Constant Attention
Every gardener knows weeds come out easier when the ground is soft. God can and will help us with our weeds and with our growth. The soil in our heart and mind needs constant attention. Busyness and worries need to be constantly weeded from our lives or they choke out all thoughts of and time for God.
This life is a time of growth. At harvest time, the second coming, Jesus will separate the good from the tares or weeds. None of us want to be part of the latter group.
I asked myself these questions, and I want you to think about them too. Do I spend more time weeding my flower beds than the soil in my heart and life? If I do, am I going to change my priorities?
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
