Thursday, April 19, 2012

Break Up Your Fallow Ground

I first heard the expression "Fallow Ground" in this song from The Winans.



The expression,"Break up your fallow ground" (Hos. 10:12; Jer.4:3) means, "Do not sow your seed among thorns," In other words, break off all your evil habits; clear your hearts of weeds, in order that they may be prepared for the seed of righteousness. The land was allowed to lie fallow that it might become more fruitful; but when left in this condition, it soon became overgrown with thorns and weeds. The cultivator of the soil was careful to "break up" his fallow ground, i.e., to clear the field of weeds, before sowing seed in it. So says the prophet, "Break off your evil ways, repent of your sins, cease to do evil, and then the good seed of the word will have room to grow and bear fruit." (Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/fallow-ground/)


Fallow ground is hard, dry and full of ruts. It wasn't always this way as it once produced fruit but through neglect, it has become fallow. If it stays in this state the only thing it will produce is weeds, which are generally good for nothing. I like to garden and play in the dirt.  Before planting seeds or plants, I have to make sure the soil is loose and ready to receive the plants.  If the soil is tight, I have to use a pitchfork or something similar to break up the dirt and to remove the weeds. This typically happens at the beginning of the planting season after a period of rest. This is strenuous work.

Our hearts can become fallow ground if we're not careful. Bad habits may come in when we're resting, when we're not vigilant, when we're coasting. We need to dig deep and  do the strenuous work to "break it up."



What do you need to break up in your life so that you will have room to grow and bear fruit? Have you ever thought of bad habits in this light? Do you find gardening analogies helpful in your Christian walk?


2 comments:

  1. I did some really hard yard work two weeks ago. Even bent my pitchfork from all those tough roots in the ground. Thanks to your post, tonight in prayer I'll be asking the Lord to help me identify the tough, stubborn roots in my heart that run deeper than I can see all by myself. It's time for them to go.

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  2. My Pastor always quotes this scripture. The part that sticks with me is "clear your hearts of weeds." It's so true and speaks VOLUMES!

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