If you have been reading this column for a while, you will know that I draw many moments of inspiration from time spent digging in the dirt. Over the weekend we were tilling up the gardens to prepare for sowing seeds in just a few short months. Luckily, we live in a world where tractors do most of the heavy lifting, yet still, there is much action on our part that must be executed. The tilling process is important for loosing up the hard soil and rock, it disrupts grass and weeds that can smother the plants, makes soil available for added nutrients and allows for a more effective drainage system needed for plants to thrive. What kind of inspiration could possibly flow from running a tractor through the dirt? It reminded me of a verse, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12.

This verse is a call to action, a preparation of sorts, to break up the “fallow ground” of our hearts so that we can truly walk in the fruit of righteousness. As I watched the hard ground uncover the conserved earth below, it prompted me to think about the things that God has asked me to dig up. What are those things you have pressed so deep in your heart that need to break free from the toughened soil you have created? Who must you forgive so that your ground can once again become filled with lifesaving nutrients? Where does the Living Water (Jesus) need to seep into so that you can thrive?

A specific rock God asked me to loosen was the defense mechanism placed on myself that causes me to respond rather than to refrain. I have found myself responding to the enemy’s tactics through anger, irritation and aggravation before taking a breath and recalling the anointing I have through Christ. Instead of allowing our soil to become hardened by this world, we must intentionally take the time to cultivate. “You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth.” Psalm 65:10. Just as David reminds us of God’s abundance and care in making the land fertile, we too must follow the beautiful agricultural imagery as detailed in the verse above. Cultivating and plowing is discipleship and a daily decision to steward the territory entrusted to you. Why you ask? “ For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit..” Luke 6:43-44.

Taking up your cross and bearing it each day is no small task, but it is our job as followers of Christ. We must do the laborious work in our own lives so that we can produce the good fruit that continues to feed the flock and embody Jesus. What are you going to break ground on this week that will allow you to effectively partnership with God and welcome the Holy Spirit? This is not a onetime occurrence – digging up what binds your fruit will become a constant echo in your soul that must be tended to daily. Keep your heart open and receptive this week as to what God may ask you to uncover – keeping it buried truly only hardens the heart.

“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.” Proverbs 12:11.

Blessings, Kayla