Last summer, I was very troubled. One night, I decided to walk ‘in the garden’ with God. I talked like I was walking with a friend. As hot dry night air tickled the pine trees, I complained, I worried out loud, and I even said thanks a few times. It felt good. After my walk was over, I felt better. I felt better about everything. I gave it away to God. I let go. My problems had been officially transferred and I felt peace knowing that I didn’t have to handle them anymore. I wonder if once we stop walking in the garden with God, we lose our connection with him.
Genesis 3:8
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
Life has a dulling effect on me. As I get older there is nothing like a good nap. I think I might need to remember to take care of my soul upkeep first. There will be time to sleep later. God want to hang out with us. God wants the chat time. In the garden, we should be talking.
Matthew 26:36-41
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
So, are there problems in your life? Are you hurt or angry? How many people have you complained to? Did you know God gets jealous. He may want you to involve him in your troubles. Walk with him and tell him what is bugging you. You don’t need a bedside, a full church, or a candle. Just go for a walk, God is waiting for you in the garden.
Copyright © 2016 Zachary W Gilbert
Zachary W Gilbert, Author 
Love this. Like the old hymn.. And He walks with me.. and He talks with me.. And tells me I am His own.. And the joy we share as we tarry there.. none other has ever known.
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Great reminder! Offen forgotten! Soul upkeep is always needed with the best friend we all have with us but we ignore a lot.
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