Dew on the Roses

There is a line in the lyrics of the classic hymn, In the Garden, that I didn’t really like when I first heard them:

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

The first line was great because it meant I was having quiet, alone time with the Lord, learning of Him and listening to His voice. It was the second line that bothered me.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

When I first became a Christian, I would stay up late at night studying His Word, praying and trying to learn all I could about my Savior. I came across scriptures about seeking God early, and I felt like I was in trouble because I was not a morning person!

I remember thinking how difficult it was going to be to wake up early, and have my devotion time with the Lord. It’s not that I didn’t pray, because I did. But I have to admit, most mornings, my prayers were hurried and said while I was still very sleepy.

My thinking changed one night after coming home late. I was immediately struck by the fact that the grass was wet and so were the bushes and flowers around me.

There was dew everywhere and immediately, I felt God was reminding me of how and when dew is formed. I could rejoice and thank the Lord because this meant there was dew on the roses in the garden of my nighttime prayer and devotion.

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early…Isaiah 26:9

Seeking Him early can certainly mean seeking Him in the early hours of the morning. But it can also signify seeking Him early in difficult or challenging situations before it feels like everything is out of control.

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Psalm 63:1

My prayer and devotion time has changed as I have actually become a morning person. Perhaps it happened by years of routine habit. Nonetheless, I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.

 

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