By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
In 1912, C. Austin Miles was reading his Bible by candlelight in a very dark, cold and leaky basement room. He was reading John 20, where Mary goes to the tomb of Jesus. As he contemplated the story, he visualized the scene. He pictured it in vivid detail in his mind. He saw a weeping Mary. He visualized some early morning mist. He recalled later that he felt like he was physically transported from that dark basement room to the garden scene. He pictured Jesus softly speaking to Mary.
Finding pen and paper, Miles, who was formerly a pharmacist turned songwriter, penned the words to one of the famous hymns, “In the Garden.” The song soared in popularity. Most reading this have more than likely heard the song at church and revival meetings. It was and still remains a song of comfort at many funeral and memorial services.
The opening line is one that most can recite and, if you are like me, can start humming the tune: “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.” There is wisdom in those words and a challenge. Coming to Jesus when it is just one-on-one time. Looking for Jesus. Listening to Jesus. This is not just a song to sing on occasion. It is a call to come early and come often to seek Jesus.
The refrain is also a great promise: “And He walks with me and He talks with me.” He wants that daily walk with you. You are His. He wants to share joy with you, a joy that can only be found in Jesus.
So keep seeking Jesus and listening to His voice. Be it in an actual garden or in a dark, cold and leaky basement, you can find Jesus.