From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate… that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. Psalm 104:13-15
I was assigned to teach a few of the younger children at a Christian Conference. In an effort to get acquainted with each child, I asked them where they were from. Many said they were from a specific city and several knew their home state. One girl, who had a very broad perspective, simply said, “I’m from earth.” I chuckled at her answer, but in reality she was right. Before she and I were born, God created the earth.
My Origin
According to the Psalmist, God’s work is His creation. The earth is full or filled up by the fruit of God’s creation – which includes me. He filled the earth with plants, animals and humans to satisfy it. Like the preschool girl, I need to have a broader view of my origin.
Do I realize I am the fruit of God’s creation? He is truly satisfied in creating me and the world around me. He has filled it to His satisfaction. From His vantage point, it is full and complete and ready to bring fruit. He shines his perfection and plans the work for me to cultivate.
My Effort
My work is the cultivation. As a farm girl, I am familiar with the concept of cultivation. A farmer works the ground to break-up the soil, so they can later plant and produce a harvest. I am not much of a gardener, but I know that my home is my garden – which includes my husband and my kids. Cultivating in them God’s love and grace can produce fruit in their lives and satisfaction in our home.
Some days, I focus too much on my own efforts, instead of resting in God’s work within me. Cultivation is both the work in me and the work through me. As Paul quoted, “In Him we live, move, breathe and have our being.” In Him is where the earth and my home are satisfied. God is satisfied in His creation and His creation can be satisfied in Him.
Spiritual cultivation is the process of unearthing God’s truth in my soul. Once I comprehend and identify with my origin and my effort – there are rich rewards awaiting me – the wine, oil and bread. I can be more content and rest in His perfecting and cultivation to produce fruit in me and in the one’s I love.
Cultivation
Origin. Effort. Satisfaction.
What is God trying to unearth in my life so I can produce more fruit in my life?