“Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught…”
Matthew 13:1-2 NLT
My favorite place to walk is in God’s creation, on some nature trail around a lake. Perhaps that’s why this verse jumped out to me—Jesus sat by God’s creation! But I also noticed that before Jesus sat beside the lake, He first left the house.
Even thinking of the word house can wear me out, because I associate that place with tasks that must be done inside its walls! If I listen to the multitude of voices screaming for my attention, I create an overwhelming to-do list. No wonder Jesus gave me HIS example to follow—leave the house of MY creation and sit by the lake of HIS creation!
Spending time in God’s beauty AROUND me is not only refreshing; it gives God time to create His beauty IN me. On my own, I could never produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, or humility. That fruit is GOD’s creation! But I could miss out on tasting any of it if I don’t take time to leave MY house and sit beside HIS lake!
And I notice when Jesus sat beside the lake, a large crowd gathered around Him, and from THAT place He taught. So, I trust…
When I leave MY house and sit beside HIS lake,
I pray His fruit IN me will be so attractive, people will gather around to enjoy a taste!
