My husband’s hobby is gardening, or, as I affectionately describe it, “puttering around in the yard.” Despite my good-natured ribbing, I greatly appreciate the lush results of his diligence. Now, after a few years of consistent care, our backyard flower beds have transformed from nondescript piles of lumpy, orange clay into a hidden oasis where wisteria vines dance across the fence. Hydrangea and peony blooms greet us throughout the summer months, and butterfly bushes, heavy with blossoms, host monarchs that flit about.
It’s a lovely, peaceful site and one that hinges on a single element more than any other for its survival: water. We’re fortunate to live in a part of Virginia that receives decent amounts of rain. Yet even so, summer temperatures can scorch our plants to such a degree that my husband spends 30 minutes watering on any day without significant rainfall.
Rain sustains life and allows for regenerative growth; it may be one of the reasons Hosea references it in 10:12, writing, “until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.” It’s an allusion rife with meaning. Chapters 9 and 10, which lead to this pronouncement, make the dire situation clear—Israel’s behavior has been such that “they have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah. He will remember their iniquity; He will punish their sins” (Hosea 9:9). Hosea says, “Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt” (Hosea 10:2).
And yet, there is hope; just as rain ushers in the promise of life in the midst of a dry and arid drought, so does Christ’s righteousness restore us to new life in and through Him. Without it, we perish, as Hosea 9:16 says, “their roots are withered; they cannot bear fruit.”
Israel had not only sinned, they had cultivated their sinful ways as a farmer cares for his crops; now Hosea calls them to instead “sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your unplowed ground” (10:12). To sow takes purposeful effort, but the imperative is clear: “It is time to seek the LORD” (v.12). The psalmist echoes this humble posture of the heart, saying, “Consider my affliction and trouble, and forgive all my sins” (Psalm 25:18). Doing so will allow the merciful, redemptive rain of His righteousness to fall on us. And, like a garden in desperate need of sustenance, we will live.
Prayers for Sherri and Elaine. Grateful for the comments of Shannon and Tina! It’s raining where I am as well and I am rejoicing! Let righteousness rain… how appropriate!
Trusting in our own way instead of God’s never reaps good results! Hosea 10:13 Lord God, please help me to look to You, to trust You for all things and to obey You that you may rain down Your righteousness.
@all those who requested prayer – remembering you before the Lord this morning.
Blessings for today to you all!
Praying for Sherri, may the Lord God give you wisdom to make the right decisions and May He make it clear to you what path He has chosen for you to follow in Jesus name Amen
Praying for Stacy and David. Dear God please give your children divine healing and May their Joy be fully restored in Jesus name Amen
Praying for you Elaine
Praying for you, Sherri!
“Sow for yourselves righteousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until He comes
and showers righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12
Gardening and creation have so many parallels to our faith journeys, which is why they’re all over the Bible! I’m a gardening hack. My mom has a generous sized backyard vegetable garden, and I simply try my hand at a few things. A few seeds to throw out there as I consider these verses:
– When I transplanted some perennials from my neighbors yard, I unintentionally dug some other ground cover. How am I unintentionally adding unwise practices to my life because of thoughtless living?
– Being able to split my healthy perennials is a great joy. How can I sow righteousness and then spread that goodness around?
– My tomato plants did not do well this summer because we had a drought in Iowa, and I was not consistently watering over the course of the summer. How can I continuously soak up the water of the truth through reading, prayer, podcasts, meditation of the Word and community?
– The 50+ year old tree in our backyard was planted by a little boy and now shades most of our half acre. How do I plant seeds that will inspire and built up the generations behind me?
Catching up with the requests and comments from over the weekend. So much to bring to God. Whispering names. God knows. May you all find Him watering you with His love, grace and peace whatever your day brings. ❤️
Sherrie, praying that God gives you wisdom and insight to your situation and makes it very clear what that next step should be. He is faithful and true and I pray He will guide you and place a hedge of protection around you. Phil. 4:6-7
❤️