Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the

house and went off to a solitary place and prayed.

MARK 1:35 (NIV)

The song, In the Garden, has been playing in my head for several weeks.

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

This song holds bittersweet memories for me.

My mother. I think of the times when she and I attended church together. We had beautiful conversations after I became an adult, best friend easy-going types of talks. She was the one that led me to accept Jesus as my savior. Rest in peace, dear mother.

My father. He was not a ‘believer,’ but he loved old-time gospel songs, especially male quartets. I can hear him humming this particular song. What precious memories. I hope he gave his life to Jesus before he parted from this earth. I want to hug him (even though he was not a hugger) again some day.

When I hear the lyrics to this song, I think of the many mornings that I’ve sat alone in the dark, right before (and after) sunrise. Alone in the physical sense, but not alone in the presence of God. This time of day feels spiritual to me—it is precious.

More than anything, I am reminded of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-45; Mark 14:32-41; Luke 22:39-46).

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

I sang these lyrics when I was a child. Playing outdoors, I didn’t care who heard me. I knew that Jesus loved me, and I knew my Father, my God was present. “And He tells me I am his own,” yes, these words are words of shared joy.

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

Have you listened to the joyous sound of the birds early in the morning, especially as dawn begins to break? Those tiny winged creatures know how to sing songs of joy despite any hardships in this old world.

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Father, thank you for your beautiful presence today. Thank you for giving me (us) the opportunity to choose you as our God. You do, indeed, walk with me and talk with me. As the song says, none other has ever known. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

What songs touch your heart and soul?

Note: In the Garden (often referred to as I Come to the Garden Alone) was written by lyricist Charles Austin Miles in 1913.

One of my favorite versions of In The Garden is performed by Willie Nelson.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bysxdacuNdk