Bloom and Grow: 7 Devotions for Gardeners at HeartÖrnek

# God’s Word Alive in Creation I’m an outdoor girl through and through, and my affinity for nature began early. In violets, earthworm-studded mud, and glittering skies, I experienced music, beauty, and joy as nowhere else; nature spoke the native tongue I understood. Hearing the Bible’s creation-garden narrative (Genesis 1–2) and nature-rich metaphors (as in Song of Songs 4–5) thrilled me. The God of the Bible and of creation was clearly my Father. His call for us to take care of his creation (Genesis 2:15) and follow his voice (Proverbs 4:20–22) made sense to me. So here I am, a passionate gardener and student of Scripture. The one true lover and completer of our souls is still speaking words of love and mercy to us . He calls to us in fruitful harvests and pounding seas, in a chorus of finches and oceans of sunflowers, and through his Son, who lived and died for us. When I read Scripture, I find his words living and active. When I swim in an icy firth, work the soil, or wrestle through a dark night, his Word becomes clear and takes hold. God speaks my native tongue; his Spirit in me responds. Jesus, Lord of Creation, has finished the work, and I am his. Here’s the deal: we must spread this truth, not just seeds; serve others, not just ourselves; cultivate love, not just flowers, wondrous as they are. He has called us to do so. Jesus, thank you for overcoming death and decay. Thank you for sharing through your Word and creation life abundant and eternal. Amen.