He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season. —Psalm 1:3
When I built my first home, I met with a landscape architect. He showed me drawings of trees, plants, shrubs, and ground cover. I couldn’t picture what he saw, but I said, “Let’s do it!”
That fall, the company brought in plants that were tiny, scrawny, and unimpressive. I had envisioned a lush, colorful visual feast. Instead, there was no color or beauty. The landscaper assured me that in time I would be pleased with the results. I waited—and waited. What I couldn’t see was that sunshine, rain, fertilizer, and pruning were helping plants grow and spread roots deep. Slowly, I began to see evidence of growth.
That property is now well established. Between May and October, I enjoy an array of beautiful flowers and plants. Years of planning, investment, effort, and cultivation—coupled with God’s care—have produced this outdoor refuge.
After careful oversight, my garden now fulfills its purpose. It’s a thing of great beauty for all who visit—a peaceful haven, fragrant, everchanging, lifting hearts toward the Creator.
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A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God through a Daily Devotional Life
©2000 Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
What fruit is God producing in you, even if you don’t yet see it? Where do you need to trust His steady work beneath the surface?