A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
One of my favorite parts of summer is spending time in the beautiful orchards in the countryside where I live. When I am surrounded by green orchard trees bending over with delicious fruit, leaves and branches dancing in a warm breeze, my spirit comes alive. I love sitting on a front porch swing eating a peach and listening to the song birds, as they sing their symphony to God.
The orchard reminds me of who God is. As I sit beneath the orchard trees, I learn so much about Him.
God brings fruitfulness to our lives, and He desires His very best for us. Not one single need goes unnoticed by Him. He knows everything we need, even things we’re not aware of, and He has already made provision for us.
He is our shade at midday and our protection, always. He is fully alert to everything that goes on around us. We can come to Him with any problem or challenge. When we are afraid, we can call out to Him and feel the safety of His presence.
God is delightfully creative and beautiful. His creation is a blessing in our daily lives. He knows how to nourish us, body, soul, and spirit. He dances with us and sings over us. He delights in us and desires to be with us always.
God prunes us as well, so we can flourish. He sends the wind and the rain to strengthen us. He sees His image in each of us, and He desires to transform our heart so we can be exactly who He created us to be.
Just as He knows every leaf on every orchard tree, He knows us inside and out. Every hair on our head is lovingly known by Him. After all, He created us, and He loves us.
If you have a chance to linger in an orchard this summer, ask God to meet you there. Just as Jesus used the natural surroundings to teach through parables, God will use life in the orchard to remind you how amazing He is, and how much He loves you.
Copyright © 2020, 2022 by Janet Eriksson
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Janet Eriksson is an intercessor, writer, and teacher in Dahlonega, Georgia. She loves conversation with friends, front porch swings, sweet tea, and spending time on lakes and rivers. The author of nine books and editor of many more, Janet blogs and teaches at https://adventureswithgod.blog/.
