Finding Freedom in His Presence
When God Meets Us in the Garden
by Sarah A. Mohr
Raspberries grow in abundance at the back of my garden. Last summer, I added an arched trellis to redirect many of the wayward vines. This process required me to dig into vines and thorns that inevitably snagged on my clothes and scratched my exposed skin. I had to be intentional about which vines I grabbed and how I moved through them. As much as I try to avoid them, the jagged thorns in my own garden still produce multiple scratches on my arms, and my fingers can ache from grabbing raspberry vines.
Gardening takes hours to plan and is a continual labor of love. The garden is a place of beauty when it’s fruitful and a source of frustration when it’s barren. The most beautiful gardens are a masterpiece of art on display. I can only imagine what the garden of Eden looked like. In comparison, my garden is minuscule; yet while I’m there tending, God is with me, bringing his word to life.
In the Bible, garden imagery represents scarcity and abundance, or life and death. After Moses’s death, Joshua prophetically used this imagery to warn the people. Concerned they wouldn’t remain faithful to God while living in a culturally diverse community, he cautioned God’s people: “Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God. For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them so that you associate with them…they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good ground that the Lord your God has given you” (Joshua 23:11–13 ESV).
As humans, our sinful nature can cause us to become easily entangled. The hard part is identifying where we are entwined—especially if it’s a long-standing issue. Some potential snares to consider that can affect our relationship with God and others:
- A habit God has asked you to give up
- Continuing an argument with someone when you can forgive
- Bending a boundary God has set through his word
- An adverse attitude toward another
- Putting off an unfinished task
- Allowing unwholesome thoughts to take root in your mind
The enemy of our souls will try to keep us ensnared. While he is limited in his creativity to tempt us, he is cunning and ruthless, waiting to attack (see 1 Peter 5:8). But the Holy Spirit is patient, gentle, and faithful. He shows us areas where he seeks to mature us and can help us stay connected to the True Vine (see John 15:5), making potential snares easier to recognize.
Jesus told his disciples to be as wise as serpents—alert to potential temptation—but as innocent as doves, innocent in the way we respond (see Matthew 10:16). It’s our responsibility to be obedient to God and prepared for any potential traps. How are you following this advice?
While it’s man’s nature to sin, it’s the nature of God to rescue, redeem, and restore. As the Creator, he knows how to untangle the vines to keep us healthy. Just as we wear gloves when we are in the garden, intentionally seeking his wisdom through daily prayer and Bible reading will keep the thorns of life from digging in too deeply and will bring freedom.
“‘I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?’ You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah” (Psalm 77:12–15).
While it’s man’s nature to sin, it’s the nature of God to rescue, redeem,
and restore.
Gardening reminds me of the way we move and interact in life. Even when we take every precaution, we will eventually encounter a situation that can tempt and ensnare us. But God, with his powerful hand, reaches out to me through his Word—continuously drawing me into a deeper relationship with him. He desires to walk alongside each of us. In his presence, we will find true freedom. ■
For Further Study and Reflection
You can read more about getting caught in the vines in Matthew 13:7, Luke 8:14, and 2 Peter 2:20. Consider the following questions for reflection:
- What vines are you getting tangled in?
- Are they blocking your access to the True Vine?
- What needs to change so you can walk alongside him in his garden and remain there?
Sarah A. Mohr is a mom who is pointing her kids to Jesus with a desire to help others do the same. @saraha.mohr
Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version of the Bible.