Around 25 years ago, I saw a counselor on staff at our church for a while. I think back on it as a sweet season. Judy’s joy in the Lord and her love for Him were manifested in the way that Scripture was woven into the living and breathing of her daily life. She was eager to be fed and nourished by it, and I was attracted to this devotion and wanted to emulate her! I still recall particular verses we discussed that helped me learn not to look elsewhere for help, but to go to the Lord first, trust Him, and watch Him work (Isaiah 50:10-11, 31:1).
What I remember most from our visits, though, was a kind action on her part that spoke to my heart and impacted all our visits thereafter. I was usually her first appointment of the day and we met in a large, chilly room with cinder block walls. One morning as I came in and sat down (infant in tow) I noticed immediately that the space felt comfortable, maybe even toasty! I realized she had placed a space heater near my chair.
Judy had noticed how cold-natured I am, had procured a heater, and had come in early to warm up my space. I felt deeply touched by this simple act. This may be because, well … if you’re cold natured like me, you’ve probably discovered people enjoy poking fun at you about it. She had taken what others might find as opportunity for jest and used it instead as an occasion to render compassionate service.
My heart interpreted it to mean she knew me well, she knew what would make a difference in my time with her, and she cared enough to act on it. I liked being known! I liked that she prepared a place for me! I felt loved and affirmed. It was a tender act, evoking a tender response. Her kindness also favorably impacted my counseling sessions because it issued in a deeper level of trust that opened the door for me to be more transparent.
My heart experienced this same tender response a few weeks ago; it was when I happened across Genesis 2:8.
And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom He had formed.
Genesis 2:8
I thought, “Oh Lord, you knew us, your handiwork, before you formed us. In Your lovingkindness you prepared a special place for us, curated to meet all our needs; You planted it yourself!”
I like that Scripture reveals “the Lord God” planted it. Knowing what’s involved with planting a garden, I tried to imagine what that process would look like—the timing, specifics, and His intent in the design. What sort of environment would man need to thrive? In what kind of dwelling place could they learn all He had for them? In what setting would they come to know the Lord as they lingered with Him and experienced His goodness? Where would they best gain knowledge of His plan for them and understand their roles and responsibilities?
God’s answer was a garden. The Lord prepared a habitation with all they needed; the perfect dwelling place, ordained to manifest His love. It was very good. (Genesis 1:31)
The garden was in a particular geographical location: Eden, in the east. A river flowed out of Eden to water it (Genesis 2:8, 10). God provided both beauty and nourishment in His garden. He made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food (Genesis 2:9).
The garden provided work for man; he was to tend and keep it (Genesis 2:15).
It was a place for man to learn to reason and discern. The Lord brought the animals and birds to Adam to see what he would call them. Whatever Adam called each living creature, that became its name (Gen. 2:19).
It was the environment where the first couple experienced God’s presence. He was there with them. He instructed them and gave them purpose (Genesis 1:28, 2:17).
“I’m grateful for Your word, Lord, that reveals to us who You are and how You made ready for us. Thank You that this whole realm of nature still speaks of You. No wonder we are drawn to the therapeutic benefits of a hike or a stroll through a garden! They are still physical and tangible places where we can see and smell, hear, touch, and taste of Your glory. And in gardens, we can still commune with You, receive guidance from You, and experience Your presence. I wonder at nature’s indescribable beauty, remarkable details, and consider who You are—a God who knows us and loves us, and who has perfectly prepared and provided for us.”