How to Pull Weeds

How to Pull Weeds

Some of my friends state that I am a little insane since I love doing yard work. Although it is a lot like housework (never completely completed), there is a great deal of complete satisfaction in walking away from a flower bed after having rid it of weeds and letting the plants that we really wish to see program through. Obviously, if it is not done on a constant basis, the weeds really do gain the edge. Then, instead of caring backyard work, I find myself wanting a simple way to produce the outcome I wish for. As of yet, I have not found a weed killer that will discriminate between what I want and what I do not want, so I am the one who needs to make the judgment and pull out the undesirable development one by one.

As I work in my flower beds, I frequently assess the fact that Jesus provided many illustrations using seeds, trees, fruit, plants, sowing, pruning and enjoying. As a result of the fall, the ground was cursed and work became an effort instead of a delight (Genesis 3:17 -19). There stays, however, the charm of God's production all around us. If we are privileged enough to have the stewardship of a plot of earth in which we can plant and gain, then we partner with God in His garden business.

In my garden, I have come across a variety of weeds. Some of them have a single root. If that weed is taken out by the root, terrific! If not, it will return. Others have complicated root systems that make them beside impossible to pull out. They need to be dug out. In those cases, I keep in mind that the Lord stated that He was going to leave the tares and the wheat to grow together, and do the weeding at the end of time (Matthew 13). Sometimes I make a similar decision. I will handle those weeds again and again in order to save the great plants that are growing near to them.

The task of weeding reminds me of sin. Perhaps you, like me, have discovered that weeding, like ridding your life of sin, involves the following.

oWeeding is backbreaking work. If I don't stay alert and "hoped up," sin keeps coming back. If I do not stay up to date with the weeding, the weeds overtake the garden. Watchfulness is the essential!

oIt helps if the weeds can be brought up by the roots. If possible, it is best to stop sin at its source. For instance, my nature is to worry and be afraid of unknown circumstances. That is the reverse of faith. When fear raises its unsightly head in my life, I have to go back to the basics: trusting God! As my husband states, "Worry and faith can not inhabit the very same area."

oSometimes I need help. The task of weeding is a bit overwhelming in some cases, especially since my hubby and I take a trip much of the year. Periodically my partner, a good friend or a neighbor will sit with me and help me pull out weeds. Similarly, an accountability partner can typically notice a location that is disappointing to God that I have overlooked.

oWeeding is simpler if the soil is soft or damp. If you ever tried to pull weeds in difficult, dry soil, you understand how hard it can be. Also, it is simpler to dispose of sin when it is fresh and recognizable as sin. The longer sin is delegated solidify in our lives, the harder it is to eliminate.

I started this post by talking about how much I love to see new growth and flowers in my garden. That is how I wish to end it as well. Weeding, both in my garden and in my life, is well worth it.

As I observe the flowers in my garden, I am advised that a garden is not just one flower. It is many flowers. You and I are part of a big garden that God has planted.

More Information