Daily Watering

     A friend recently gave me a basil plant. How excited I was! To me, nothing signifies summer like the fresh leaves of basil in my summer salads. The plant stood tall and proud in a pot. Its leaves were vibrant green and fragrant.
     “Put it outside in the sun and water it,” advised my friend. “Then, as it grows, you can snip off its leaves.” So, into the tiny garden, my new basil plant went.

     Right here and now, I confess I do not possess a green thumb. I am also notorious for forgetting to water the garden. Thankfully, God took care of the watering for the first few days. But alas, except for the morning dew, no other water rained regularly upon my garden. A burst of remembrance once a week might allow for one good soaking. But other than this, the plants in my garden scorched in the sun.

     A comment from my friend who gave me the basil plant finally propelled me into action.
     “My basil plant is thriving nicely,” she said, “Yours should be too!” I’m lucky if it’s still alive, I thought. But as soon as the phone call ended, I marched outside and turned on the hose. Dousing the small area, I reached to touch the plant. It’s leaves drooped and wilted. Is it dead? I thought with alarm. I sighed. It would serve me right if it did not survive. But I still watered the plant, hoping for the best.

     The following morning, I rushed to prepare for the day. The sun rose hot. It was going to be another scorcher. I’ve got to water those plants! I thought, rushing from one thing to another. But with less than ten minutes to spare, I almost pushed the responsibility aside. Even if they get 5 minutes of watering, my mind raced, it will be better than nothing. So out to the garden I ran.

     As I stood with the water gushing from the nozzle, I bent to feel the basil plant. To my surprise, it stood tall and straight. I couldn’t believe this was the same plant. Once more, I stooped to touch it. Having been refreshed by the watering from the day before, the leaves on the plant reached high for the sky. Amazing how one day’s watering makes a difference, I marveled.
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     Then, it hit me. We are so much like our plants. If we do not receive our daily watering of God’s Word, we will be like my drooping basil plant —unable to stand beneath the scorching pressure of the world. Yet, if spending time with God is a part of our daily watering, we like my basil plant will be able to thrive despite the flaming arrows of the Enemy. Just like the leaves of my basil plant stood vibrant and strong under intentional, daily waterings, so also will we. May we make time in God’s Word and with our heavenly Father to be watered daily. For we, like our plants, are at our best when we soak in the daily watering of God and His Word. May we delight in His Word this day.