"Their Soul Shall be as a Watered Garden" Jeremiah 31:12

Many places in the Scripture, the Lord uses a simile to bring us to a better understanding of His Promises and Provisions. The word pictures that are painted through many passages and verses in particular provided a very vivid description of what we can expect from Him. Jeremiah chapter 31 is one specific example of this. The chapter begins by showing us that God is faithful to His children, with gentleness and caring kindness His has pulled us to himself. It strengthens this concept by telling us why: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." Such and emphasis on God's love is incomprehensible, especially when one considers the fact that we are so worthless in our natural state of sin and that we continually withdraw from all the goodness He has so freely given to us. Verse 9 states, "...with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble..." Our God is there for us, meeting our needs, directing our steps, caring for our children, gathering our flocks, protecting us from evil. He causes us to dance and sing because of His Goodness -- He Is Good! And, our very innermost being -- our heart, our soul -- can feel God's presence. Just like a tropical garden that has had its fill of nourishing rain and refreshing dew, our soul can drink of God's grace and be overflowing from His Love, His Everlasting Love.

     Terraced Gardens at Meadowbrook Hall, Dodge-Wilson Mansion in Auburn Hills, Michigan, July