Gardening is the talk of the summer. Every gardener wants to show off their plants, share their crops and discuss gardening tips.
I have heard it said for a garden to grow best it needs good soil, proper watering and the proper amount of sunlight. So I took this to mean most growth occurs during the day.
But I am beginning to wonder if this is necessarily true ….
Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own.” (Mark 4:26-28, NLT)
We tend to think our gardens grow only during the daylight –> when the sun is shining. Yet those very plants are sitting in the same soil during the darkest hours of the night. Even in the dark, they are sucking up water and nutrients, from what is around them, in order for their growth to continue.
As I read this portion, I recalled the many times I said to my children, upon awakening in the morning, “You must have grown while you were sleeping!”
Can it be it is the same with us spiritually? Perhaps in the darkest nights of our souls, there is a growth which occurs ….
- which cannot occur in the daylight
- which cannot occur at any other time but in the night
If I am honest, I wish growth occurred solely in the daylight, or in the good times, for then growth would always be pleasant, welcomed, and desired. To get through the night, or the difficult times, growth can be painful, dissatisfying and unpleasant. Yet growth occurs both night and day.
The gardener does not understand how it happens. He only knows his gardens grows and produces a harvest.
And here is the mystery which stood out to me …
At times it happens –
On. Its. Own.
In. The. Dark.
Today I am joining …ĆĀ Thought Provoking Thurs. and Tell His Story and Quitting Thur. and Thurs. Favorite Things and Thrive at Home .
I love this analogy, and it’s such an encouraging reminder to keep doing what’s right and keep looking to Jesus during the dark times. Thanks for sharing – glad to link up near you at Thrive@Home!
So grateful the post encouraged you. May we keep trusting Him for growth during the good & bad times. Blessings!
Ooh, such a good point. Just because we can’t see the growth doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Sometimes that nighttime growth far exceeds the daytime growth. Love this.
Lisa, it is so true that the growth in the nighttime can far exceed that of the daytime. Very good point to always keep in mind. Glad you added this!
Yes, growth definitely occurs in the dark!
Joanne,
Oh, I can relate to your desire for growth only in sunlight yet I also know that some of my deepest growth has occurred during those dark times when it was a major feat to make it through a day….but I didn’t see the growth till afterwards š So grateful for how He is with us in both dark and light š
I think most of would agree with you, Dolly. It is in looking back that we are then able to see the growth. And like you, I am grateful He is always with me both in the good & bad times.
Interesting post. One of my friends commented to me the other day when we were discussing the over busyness of summer – that we push ourselves much longer in summer – as long as there is light – we work from early am to late into evening. no wonder we tired. The idea of growth occurring, something productive being done, while we rest is a great thought. Your words will stay with me… off to rest. lol
Jean, you are right! We do push ourselves to do more as there are more hours of daylight. May we remember to embrace the growth which comes from rest. Love that!
Hi Joanne, thank you for your beautiful, thoughtful post. For me I think I have noticed most of my spiritual growth during difficult times, and can honestly say that is completely down to God, as left to my own devices I would just flounder in the darkness. So thankful for His light and gentle guiding hand.
Anita, so very true. I, like you, am most grateful He has not left me to my own devices. No matter how hard the difficulties, I would still rather go through with Him than by myself. I am always grateful to read your thoughts as they always bless!