The Soil of Your Soul

There something I know a little about since I have been gardening for many years, soil.  If my soil is not maintained, it does not grow good plants, but weeds.  Basically, weeds are the hardiest of all crops, hands down!

Jesus told this parable when he was speaking to a large crowd by a lake. He often taught with parables, maybe because they can bring thought and understanding to His words.

Mark 4:3-8 Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil.  It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.  Still other seed fell on good soil.  It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.

The gospel of Jesus, the word of God, is the seed that can change our life and future forever.  It can do this when the soil of our soul is good and willing to receive it. Or, it can be snuffed out by a busy life without spiritual priorities or an apathetic attitude.  

There are many people that do not examine their spiritual condition and eternal future until they are much older.  The very real problem with that is, not all people are able to get older, some lives are cut short by accident, disease or other means.

 In order to create good soil in our soul where the word and truth of God can grow, we must first decide to have a willing spirit.  A willing spirit is so much more powerful than a willing attitude.  A willing spirit is a willing attitude on our part, paired up with the Holy Spirit.   In order to get that willing spirit, we must first be ready to give God our heart. Then we must ask His Holy Spirit to come in and teach us all things. That’s preparing good soil for a good harvest.

I was talking to a friend in church today about the dry conditions around Ohio, she made the comment that even without the rain, the weeds are doing fine.  Weeds are tenacious!  They hardly need any water, very little soil if any, but they need an opening (a crack) to grow. After that, they will take over everything and dump a whole lot of seeds to continue their future invasion.

We are not without weeds in our life and we never will be until we walk through the gates of heaven then we will be free of weeds, pain and every other torment.  The weeds of our life that strangle out the good are anything that we put a higher priority over than God.  I know it sounds awful to say, but family can be that.  The priority we put on things will determine our spiritual soil.  Remember the acronym-JOY? JOY-Jesus, Others and Yourself.   If we have found joy because we have maintained the soil to our soul, then everyone, especially our family will greatly benefit.  On the other hand, if we burn ourself out doing for our family or even our friends, we could become resentful and exhausted with a bad attitude-that’s WEEDS-taking over. I’m sure many of us have heard the saying, if you don’t take care of yourself, you are no good for anyone else.  Well taking care of your spiritual side-the soil of your soul by putting Jesus first, is the very best thing you can do for yourself.  The rest that you will receive in those minutes with the Lord, will carry you through the difficulties of life and refresh your body, mind and spirit.

So, refresh yourself in the Lord, get rid of the weeds and keep your spiritual garden blooming.  Such a wonderful way to live.  Good soil makes for a beautiful garden and harvest. Have you ever heard someone say, “You have a beautiful soul?”  I can’t think of a better compliment a person could receive.

Prayer

Lord, come enrich and till the soil of my soul.  May the seeds I plant from your scripture grow as you water it with your love.  Help me pluck out the weeds before they take hold and dump seeds of trouble throughout my life.  Lord, I want to live a joyful life no matter what goes on in this unpredictable world.  Holy Spirit teach me how to have a beautiful soul that feeds your joy and kindness to all those around me.  May your love be what people feel when I am in their presence.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

God Bless,

Sally

Beautiful song to enjoy.  “I’ve Got Joy,” by CeCe Winans