The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58: 11 NIV)
As I considered what I might say about this Scripture, I was faced with asking myself the question…
What does it mean to be a well-watered garden?
I found myself reflecting on God being my source of life, like water is to a garden. He is the One who gives me everything I need.
May I suggest that you read all of Isaiah 58 in order to support the message of today’s post. Isaiah 58:1-5 talks about fasting that isn’t pleasing to God. The remainder of the chapter talks about fasting that is pleasing to Him.
God says His people are in rebellion to Him. They chose to do things their own way instead of following His will, as He desires His children to do.
The question is posed in vs. 5, “Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves?” As I’ve thought about that, and looked at the verses that follow it, I believe that this Scripture is referring to a way of life, as opposed to abstaining from food or drink for a specific period of time.
The purpose of fasting is to bring our flesh into submission to the Holy Spirit. In order to accomplish fasting, we need the help of God’s Spirit working within us.
Scripture assures us that we can count on God to help us. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Following God and obeying Him daily is undoubtedly challenging because we want to have our own way, as is natural to the human nature. Changing our ways likely won’t happen overnight. It’s a process, as we mature in our journey to becoming more like Christ.
The path that God has planned for each of us will possibly look very different than anyone else’s. We needn’t feel confused, incapable, or fearful, as He promises to guide us, provide for our needs and give us strength.
Becoming a well-watered garden doesn’t “just happen.” It requires giving deliberate attention to your “spiritual root system” by regularly nourishing your spiritual life through prayer, Bible reading and humbly choosing to surrender to God’s will instead of following the desires of your own human nature.
Isaiah 61: 1-2 (ESV) says, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.”
My prayer is, “Heavenly Father, thank You for your promise to guide me always. I trust You to provide for me, and to give me the strength I will need for the journey through life. Please enable me to be faithful to You in my prayer life, my Bible reading, my good deeds towards others and all of my decisions. I desire to serve and please You in all that I say and do, with Your help. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
