Each Spring it is time to clean the pond filter, remove the heater, clear away the leaves that have gathered around the netting that protects the pond during the winter. Yes, the netting is to protect the fish (Big Blue my 2 lb. catfish, and his 3 goldfish siblings) from the dreaded Blue Heron that has come to stalk my pond since it was put in seven years ago.
A few weeks ago the waterfall had barely any water coming out so I attempted a day of cleaning and gardening in the pond. I pulled apart the entire filter, sticking my hand down in the filter box not knowing what I might find. A one-pound bull frog made his way out as I stuck my hand in. I'm not sure who scared who more! Yuck. After 4o minutes of cleaning and such the water was barely trickling out. I had made it worse instead of better. Next, I tore apart the waterfall end, lifting heavy slates one by one until I uncovered the lava filter. I cleaned all of that and put it all back together again, plugged the pump back in and hoped for the best. NOTHING! UGH! Now the waterfall did not work at all. I began to cry. I was covered with pond scum, smelled like pond scum, and was wallowing in self-pity like pond scum.
I began to pray, "Lord, You know that I cannot afford to pay someone to come look at this pump. I know You can help me fix this. Please show me what is wrong with it and help me, Amen."
I walked back over to the pump filter and was able to weasel it out (something I had attempted and failed before). Ah ha! When I lifted it out - it was just a simple connection that needed to be put back together and placed carefully back into the filter box. God showed me, God helped me, God answered! Praise be to His Name! I plugged the pump in one last time and water came pouring out of the waterfall. The water was muddy and stirred up all the water in the pond and made it muddy and murky. After it ran for a while the water pouring into the pond was clear again but the pond remained muddy. I had to add a special powder of enzymes that over time makes the water clear and clean again. Later that afternoon the scum and mud had made its way back to the bottom and the pond water was fairly clear again.
All this to share with you what I learned from God from that one event:
- When the muck and mire of our circumstances is stirred up and clogs the vessel we must begin the resolve and restoration with PRAYER, first and foremost.
Psalm 40:1-2
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
- God will instruct us when we are meditating upon His Word for direction. He is the divine teacher.
- Like the netting over the pond He will watch over us and surround us with His unfailing love.
Psalm 32:8,10
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you... 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD'S unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.
- The clear water that settled the muck and mire in the pond is like the power we get from the Living water, through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must be empty vessels in order to get the filling.
- We should be standing under the waterfall of the Holy Spirit at all times, longing to be filled.
Isaiah 44:3-4
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants.
4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
Aren't you glad that even when we can't see the bottom of the pond through all the muck and mire we know that God has a purpose and a plan for the pond and the fish who live in it. Aren't you glad He gave us the gift of the waterfall? The Holy Spirit of God to live within us - giving us all the power and strength we need for life?
Just a few more verses to end this long one for today:
Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 30: 11-12
11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Amen and Amen!!!
Choosing JOY,
Stephanie
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