TILL IT TIL’ IT’S HEALED

For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building…Let each one take care how he builds upon it.

(1 Corinthians 3:9, 10b)

There was once a vast field replete with weeds so tall that some grew into what most people assumed were trees. One day, the landowner donned herself in old clothing and prepared for the hard work of tackling the field. Thankfully, the irrigation system made the ground soft and pliable. As a result, even the tallest weeds could be removed with little effort.

The owner began pulling out a foot-long weed effortlessly. As she tugged on it, she discovered that the root of that small weed was over six feet long, with larger weeds attached. She then realized that a one-weed-root system had overtaken the entire field. The only thing she could see before this revelation were many individual weeds. She had no clue that one weed had permeated the area as a whole.

Our bodies are like that field. The strong winds of this life’s cares, the blight of persecution, or the pestilence of pain and heartache can often form a root of bitterness buried within the recesses of our hearts. This root can ravage the field that is our body, soul, or spirit if left unattended. But the Lord wants you to till that field ‘til it’s healed.

Tilling soil is necessary to control weeds, break up crusted soil, mix dirt with organic health-promoting compounds, and prepare the ground for planting. Likewise, there are times when we need to have the weeds of bitterness, doubt, and fear uprooted. We need the Lord to remove those stony weeds and replace them with the soft fleshy compound mixture of the Holy Spirit to promote healthy and free souls.

“Purify My Heart” by Eugene Greco presents God with a prayer of surrender. In it, he invites God’s refining fire to purify the gem that is his heart (Psalm 66:10). When we allow God to break up the fallow ground of our hearts, we give way to the opportunity to become all God has called us to be. Will you let Him till and heal your heart today?

Reflection:

Prayerfully ponder practical ways to till the field of your body, soul, or spirit. What measures can you take that promote relief, rest, and restoration by uprooting bitterness? These actions can be far-reaching. For some, this entails releasing people from offenses through forgiveness. For others, repenting for offending others may be appropriate. There are also those who can make a deliberate decision to trust God’s promises in the face of fear and doubt. Start by asking and allowing God to purify your heart. Then, implement the measures you have identified. Doing so will position your field to be tilled and healed.

Was this Plan helpful? We adapted this Plan from Worship Factors: 30 Days To True Worship.