Daily Devotion – July 6, 2020 – The Rev. Mary Leigh Boyd Hovland

Isaiah 55:10-13 (NRSV)

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Devotion

A sower went out to sow, scattering the seed wildly, not in neat little rows like how I try to plant my garden. Planting is only part of the job. We cannot control the sunshine or the rain or see what is going on beneath the earth. But we trust that what we have planted will grow, bloom, and bring forth a harvest.

So it is with God’s Word, which we are to scatter wildly, telling people of the love and forgiveness that only comes from God. God directs the Word, opening hardened hearts to hear and drawing people near. God’s Word accomplishes the purposes God desires. It never returns empty. Just as the Spirit of God moved over the earth at Creation, so the Spirit of God continues to move in our lives, creating new life through God’s amazing Word of hope. Where might God be calling you to scatter seeds of love wildly today?

Prayer

God of hope, nourish the seeds you have planted in my heart so I may with boldness and courage share your Word at every opportunity you give me. Help me to remember I am the sower and you are the one who opens hearts and transforms lives. Amen.