The Daily Word: Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
Hosea 10:1-14:9
Jude 1:1-25
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 29:15-17
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. – Hos. 10:12
Fallow ground is land that is usually cultivated and planted with seed, but is allowed to lie idle for a time.[1] Land is permitted to lie fallow so that it might become more fruitful. The nutrients in the soil are refreshed, and the land recovers as organic matter is stored and moisture is retained. But when land lies fallow, it is overgrown with thorns and weeds. In order to be planted and cultivated again, the weeds must first be removed. The land must be broken up so that seed can be sown without being choked out and killed.
Our hearts often become fallow. We take a break from routine with the intention of resting. But before long, we fall completely out of even our productive habits. We no longer crack open our Bibles. Too busy! We stop getting up early to pray. Too tired! We skip worship on Sundays, instead opting for the chance to make our own schedules.
It is time to seek the Lord. Break up your fallow ground! Get back into good habits that get you close to Jesus. God has something that He wants to plant in you. He has righteousness that He wants to rain down on your life (v 12)! But first, you have to prepare your heart. Open your heart to Jesus today. Say this: “Lord, break up the fallow ground of my heart. I am coming back to You, with all my heart, all my mind, all my soul and all my strength, in Jesus’ name.”
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. – Jas. 4:8a
Prayer:
Father, I have allowed the ground of my heart to become fallow. Thank You for seasons of rest! But now it’s time to get back to work. It’s time to seek You! And as I do, I know I will receive the righteous rain You have set apart for me, in Jesus’ name!
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallow