He Restoreth My Soul

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Hebrews 11:1

The question was once asked, "Have you ever thought of your life as being a garden? If we had come to the conclusion, that yes, we could in some ways consider our life as a garden, then that might lead us to ponder the other questions posed, as well. What seeds are you planting? What fruit is being brought forth? What fragrances are you leaving behind?

In the reflection," Garden Fragrances", some examples of "garden-like" lives had been introduced. Through the seeds that were sown, and the fruit that was brought forth, fragrances were left behind that benefited countless thousands. We touched briefly on the skills and labors put forth by Frederick Law Olmsted, a world renowned landscape architect. Some of his life's work produced some of the most exquisite gardens in the world. Those fragrances--left behind in the gardens and grounds of a world famous attraction--are still bringing joy and inspiration to thousands of visitors to the Biltmore Estate each year. Another life that had been mentioned, and continues to bless and inspire people from around the world, is that of Helen Steiner Rice,"America's beloved inspirational poet laureate". Her writings of God's love for mankind continue to bring hope, faith, and love to countless souls, long after her life on earth has passed.

These examples of garden fragrances, left behind to inspire, motivate, and bring comfort and hope, are lives of somewhat famous people, from the era in which they lived. There are numerous examples of lives today, that are once again producing beautiful fragrances, from which we all receive the blessings. For the most part, these wonderful folks won't be mentioned in the evening news or the tabloid papers. Through her book, " In Spite Of Cancer", Georgia Lucas has shared with us numerous instances of lives that have been touched by this disease. They are everyday people, who have been tested through some of life's greatest adversities, and have come through them with a renewed sense of what life is all about. Through their individual trials and tribulations they have come to realize that God has a purpose for each and every one of us. They have come to the realization that we were all put here to love and care for our neighbor. That, through loving each other, we fulfil a part of God's plan for our lives.

Of all the tragic and life altering experiences we could possibly be faced with, cancer would probably be one of the most daunting realizations to come to grips with. At that point in time, we are faced squarely with our mortality. The psalmist referred to walking, "through the valley of the shadow of death". The 23rd Psalm might indeed be one of the many verses of the Bible that is brought to mind at such a time. But, praise be to God, that the verse goes on to say, "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me". Those who have come out of the valley of fear and dread into the glorious light of hope and faith, are the ones who can share their sweet fragrances of God's love with us all. Visit the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and The ACS' Cancer Survivors Network websites, and read some of the stories of the healing, hope, and renewed vision that these survivor's of cancer came away with. In most cases this renewing of their hearts, lives, and minds would not have been possible, had it not been for others who had been through the same valley and were willing to share their experiences. These fragrances, that were brought forth from the fruit of their help and guidance to others, are of lasting value to all.

In telling the story of the lives of those who have left us gardens of inspiration, there is one that inspires above all others. It is the story of a man who came to a garden long ago. He didn't come to the garden for his own enjoyment, but to do what he referred to as a young boy as, "I must be about my Father's business". Before going to this garden it was said of him, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief". He began at an early age sowing the seeds that would eventually flourish and become the, "bread of life", for all who would trust him. He left a sweet fragrance behind that all of mankind would have a chance to become recipients of. He faced a life altering experience that no man has ever had to, nor will ever be asked to face. As he knelt alone in the garden, he didn't think about himself, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God". He looked forward to the fact that because of the sweet fragrance of his life and sacrifice, many would win the battle over a disease greater than cancer. They would be able to be victorious over sin and it's consequences. The apostle Paul stated, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Of all the lives who have left us "Garden Fragrances", none is greater than,

         "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". John 15:13.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved". John 3:16-17

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". Romans 10:13

My friend, today, invite Jesus Christ into your heart and life. Pray this prayer with me.

"Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place on the cross, dying for my sins. I believe that after taking my place, you were buried and that you rose again the third day just as the Bible says. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me Lord Jesus. In your name I pray, amen."