Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
One of the places I feel close to God and dwell in His presence is in my garden. This closeness is there whether my hands are in the dirt planting a new seed or seedling or I am checking on my plants in the early morning light or harvesting some kind of food or flowers for my family to enjoy.
The garden has been an important part of Near Eastern culture as well as a delightful place of repose throughout the generations. In Biblical literature frequent references appear of gardens, picturing an enclosed or walled plot with vegetation and water, shade and quiet, beauty and utility. Enough drawings are in existence of ancient gardens to confirm these general features: planning for aesthetic effect and convenience of water supplies (Genesis 13:10), beauty and fragrance of flowers and fruits (Genesis 2:9), shelter and shade (Luke 3:19), pleasure such as the meeting place for friends (John 18:1-2) or site for social events (Esther 1:5), provision for food (Jeremiah 29:5), protection (Song of Solomon 4:12), and retreat for quiet meditation (Matthew 26:36-46).
A garden takes time and effort to prepare, yet it offers rewards in return. In Genesis 2, the Lord chose to use the garden for a metaphor to describe the first home He established for Adam and Eve. That home was to be a place of shelter and delight.
