In the Garden
He Tells Me I am His Own
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
– C. Austen Miles 1868-1946
According to Hymnary.org, Miles wrote this song as a portrayal of Mary Magdalen’s experience after finding the tomb empty, and the Lord speaks to her. It is a beautiful song for meditation. I use the song to prepare my voice for services, or solo performances. It provides both a gentle vocal chord warm-up and praise.
In The Garden does not have to be relegated to worship. When you consider the words chosen, it can provide guidance for calming ourselves in today’s overly excited world.
Let’s explore just a little example here today. Then, you might choose to reflect on it through the week, share your thoughts, and opinions as well.
I come to the garden alone – We all need private time. We need time to unwind. The believer needs time to spend in the presence of the Lord, one-on-one. You may be reading His word, listening to recorded hymns, or simply being still while the world moves around you. You must find time to be alone so you are not distracted from someone else’s gum chewing, breathing, or text noises.
While the dew is still on the roses – I find early morning is the best time to not only commune with the Lord, but to consider the world and the wonders of it. Each sunup signifies a freshness, or renewal, that unfortunately fades as the day moves along.
This time of year is especially uplifting to me. The daylight hours are much longer now. The temperatures have risen enough that I can bear being outdoors. I sit at my breakfast table, looking out the window, and watch the sky transform from deep blackness, to light blue in the hour before the sun tops the mountain. The morning birds cheep and tweeting their greetings.
And the voice I hear falling on my ear – For Mary it was a very real, audible voice. She was in the visible presence of the risen Christ. For us it may not be as obvious. We must be able to tune out the noise of the world to hear the voice of the Lord. That is why I love the mornings. The day hasn’t gotten so complicated, the phones are pinging.
In today’s world, generally it is the Holy Spirit that shares His instructions with us. It is that “still small voice” you hear pastors and evangelists speak of. Some call it your conscious. It is the Comforter He told the Apostles would be sent them.
It can also be a feeling. The feeling of calm, flowing down the body like a cool pudding, gently coating us from the head to our feet, releasing our fears or feelings of doubt. Depending on your needs, it could be a feeling of excitement, leading to a shout of praise, lifting of hands, or sudden desire to sing.
The Son of God discloses – Here Miles is talking about Christ revealing Himself to Mary. Remember, Mary initially thought Him to be the gardener. In His resurrected form she did not recognize Him. For us, it could be that we finally understand why He allowed something unpleasant to happen. Being a believer doesn’t guarantee a smooth path. You may have prayed for a healing, but the Lord is telling you that your walk through your condition will be a lamp to the feet of others, helping them to keep the faith during difficulties.
And, He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am his own – While we might not accept His invitation, Jesus always accepts our invitation to walk with us. He will spend time with us, whenever and whereever. Unlike a co-worker, or friend who could betray us, Jesus keeps our confidentialities. Our walk might be more of the drive into work, down the aisle, or to a funeral. He will be there when you ask. When you hear the Lord express to you, “My child …” tears may well up, your heart may race, or you may fall to their knees in humble worship.
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other can ever know – Here we see that even after the horrible beatings, and crucifixion Christ endured, we have still hope for joy. For the believer we know that our physical death is not the end. We will have an afterlife with Christ, and the multitude of believers who went before, and will come after.
Our relationship with Him is unique. The things we share with him, and the response He gives in return truly none other will know. Try as hard as we might, there is no combination of words in any language that can adequately describe the joy the believer experiences when communing with Christ.
I would love to know you thoughts on this. And, please share it with outher who may be interested in the discussion.
