“I came to My garden, My sister, My bride, I gathered My myrrh with My spice, I ate My honeycomb with My honey, I drank My wine with My milk. Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!” Song of Songs 5:1 (ESV)
There are things that the Lord wants to share and experience just between you and Him. Your relationship with Jesus Christ is ultimately, and simply between you and Him. Yes, we have a corporate relationship with Him as the Body of Christ. But this Body is made up of many parts, you and me, each having a unique relationship with the Head (Ephesians 4:15-16). As such, it is up to you to nurture your garden for Him. Find out the fragrances that He enjoys. Discover what His favorite colors and flowers are. And then plant these “favorites” in your garden.
The Bride in Song of Songs has an orchard of pomegranates, with choice fruits, henna, spikenard, saffron, calamus, cinnamon, myrrh and aloes, with every kind of frankincense tree, as well as all the finest spices (Song 4:13). These are some exotic flavors and fragrances! Why would she do such a thing? Because He saw her as a locked up secret garden, with a private fountain (Song 4:12) and she wanted the very best for Him!
What do you want for Jesus? Ask Him to begin creating a secret garden in your heart for Him, and Him alone. Find out what He likes and begin cultivating it in your life. Btw, He loves the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). And remember the Father loves fruit as well, and He will prune you as He knows is best to get the tastiest fruit and the greatest harvest (John 15:1-8). All they ask is for you to yield to Them!
Not only will our choice fruits and fragrances be enjoyed by Jesus, but others will take note and be impacted by them as well. A few years ago, I was leading a prayer covering event where I had been awake and in God’s presence for over 24 hours. A friend of mine who I hadn’t seen for a while came up and gave me big a hug. He asked what sort of cologne I was wearing. I told him I actually didn’t have any on, and that I really needed a shower. But he said that there was a fragrance about me that was beautiful. It was the fragrance of God’s presence resting on me!!!
If you desire such a hidden garden, start by surrendering your secret places to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where to start breaking up the soil and getting it ready for these choice fruits and fragrances. Ask Him to show you the weeds and plants that are just taking up space, and nutrients. And ask Him what He wants you to plant in your life for Him! Take time to work in your garden today!
