Today I was thinking about the subject of roots. These past two months I have spent much time preparing my garden beds for planting. You can’t just plant without cultivating—preparing your ground.
Where do these roots come from?
Every year I have a few beds with roots that need to be dug and pulled up. They come from nearby trees and bushes. It’s a lot of work.
Some roots come up easily, but some are troublesome. You have to dig deeper and then pull with as much strength as you can muster. Develop some muscles in the process. Anyway it’s a work out in itself.
Why this gardening lesson?
You’re probably wondering why I’m giving you a gardening lesson. This is just a visual of what I really want to talk about. Let’s look at this as the garden of our hearts.
Whatever we allow to come into our hearts can develop a root—especially if we haven’t tended to it, like I described above. When we are disturbed about something or even angry, it has to be dealt with quickly. We can’t ignore it.
Most of the time you know what you’re upset about. Did someone wrong you or say something unkind?
Why is this important?
When you forgive and forget the matter quickly, it keeps those roots out. If, however you let it gnaw at you, the situation just worsens. It may have started out as a small root that could still be easily plucked up. However, continuing to think about it is like putting fertilizer on that hurt—it’s going to grow. Unfortunately for you, feeding your pain is like using poison. It can even effect your health.
My health?
Thoughts produce toxins, causing bitter roots. Negative thoughts steal your joy. Your mind and heart have no peace. Dwelling on these imaginings leads to depression.
When your mind is on good things—healthy thoughts—it works like compost to loosen those roots. Letting go of offenses and getting your mind on good things gives nutrition to your heart—both spiritually and physically. Let go of the past. It will free you.
Did you know we can have thoughts that are not true?
These come from our own imaginations running amuck. The more you think on them, the more likely they become your new reality.
I’ve chosen to keep closer tabs on my thoughts. What do I feed on? I’m nourishing my heart and mind with the Word of God, which helps and encourages me. Below I have shared a few that are precious to me.
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. NKJV
Isaiah 26:3-4 – You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you. Because he trusts in you. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in Yah, the LORD is everlasting strength. KJV
2 Corinthians 10:5 – Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ… KJV
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. KJV
The subject of roots and the garden of our hearts is never ending. We want the ground of our hearts to be good, so it can grow a crop of God’s love and kindness.