A few weeks ago, we went to Bali to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday, leaving behind a couple of plants on our balcony. Despite my efforts to care for them, the unforgiving heat of Singapore took its toll. Upon our return, I was greeted with the disheartening sight of shrivelled leaves and withered flowers. However, a transformative process began as I diligently watered and nurtured them. Slowly, but steadily I could see signs of revival and eventually, the return of a vibrant pink hibiscus in one of our pots.

This experience taught me an important lesson, and I found connections to life as I reflected on it. Just like a garden needs careful attention for balance, our souls also yearn for nourishment and care. Just as my plants grew under my watchful care, our spirits flourish when we’re nurtured by the life-giving words of God and the comforting shelter of His presence.

Isaiah 58:11 echoes this sentiment, assuring us that, “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” In these words, we find the promise of rejuvenation and strength, similar to the revival plants experience under loving care.

The analogy continues in Psalm 1:2-3, describing the one who delights in the law of the LORD as “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Through the deliberate act of immersing ourselves in God’s word and dwelling in His presence, we too can experience spiritual growth, bear fruit, and stand resilient against the challenges life presents.

Just like the radiant hibiscus bloomed when it was watered and cared for, our lives can burst forth in beauty, showcasing the love of God when we make time for Him. Together, let’s cultivate a routine of delving into the Bible, pondering His words, and investing moments in His presence. By purposefully embracing this practice, our inner selves will thrive, and we’ll observe a splendid exhibition of God’s life-changing love in our daily experiences.

Take the story of Mary and Martha in the Bible in Luke 10:38-42; it is the perfect illustration of the importance of prioritizing time with God. I love how it reads in  The Message translation:

“As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. ‘Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.’

The Master said, ‘Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”

Martha, busy with various tasks, was distracted and anxious, while Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words.

“fussing too much”- that is what most of us do. It’s a common trap: getting so caught up in fixing others or doing what we believe is God’s work that we lose sight of God Himself. We can become consumed by our efforts to help and serve, unintentionally neglecting the vital connection with the One we’re serving. It’s a gentle reminder to pause, recenter, and ensure that our actions are rooted in a deep, ongoing relationship with God. 

In the context of our analogy, Martha could be compared to a garden enthusiast- sincerely and meticulously tending to the plants, busy with the external cares of life. On the other hand, Mary represents someone who prioritizes the “living water” of God’s teachings, choosing the nourishment of His presence over the bustling activities.

when we intentionally make time for God, choosing to immerse ourselves in His word and presence, our lives can blossom, radiating the beauty of God’s love just like a vibrant hibiscus emerging in a well-cared-for garden. 

Jesus gently corrected Martha, emphasizing that Mary had chosen what was truly important. Similarly, when we intentionally make time for God, choosing to immerse ourselves in His word and presence, our lives can blossom, radiating the beauty of God’s love just like a vibrant hibiscus emerging in a well-cared-for garden. 

Consider this:   This week, I would like to put in three reminders from the article:   Nourish and Care: Just as plants need attentive care to thrive, our souls flourish when nurtured by God’s Word and the comforting shelter of His presence. (Isaiah 58:11)   Immerse in God’s Word: Deliberate immersion in God’s Word and dwelling in His presence leads to spiritual growth, fruit-bearing, and resilience against life’s challenges. (Psalm 1:2-3)   Prioritize Relationship Over Tasks: Reflecting on the story of Mary and Martha reminds us not to get too caught up in tasks and external cares, but to prioritize our relationship with God, choosing the essential over the unnecessary. (Luke 10:38-42)