He Walks with Me
Mrs. Ellenberger was my piano teacher for many years. She taught me to sight-read music and encouraged me to play every song in the hymn book. I would play and sing in the evening, and one of my favorites was “In the Garden.”
The hymn’s author, C. Austin Miles, had just read chapter 20 in John’s Gospel and was moved by the garden meeting of the resurrected Jesus and His faithful follower, Mary Magdalene. As Miles reflected on this beautiful scene, he was drawn to consider his personal relationship with Jesus and the opportunity to meet Him in a garden.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? For Whom are you looking?” Supposing that it was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you carried Him away from here, tell me where you have put Him and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” Turning around she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” – which means Teacher or Master.
- John 20:15-16
Mary’s heart was laden with grief. She had witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. After the soldiers verified His death, she watched as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carried his body to the nearby garden tomb. Mary sat close by and watched them wrap the body and place it on the cold stone ledge.
Early Sunday morning, she returned to the garden and discovered an empty tomb. Her eyes brimming with tears, she asked, “Sir … tell me where you have put Him.”
Can you imagine hearing the resurrected Jesus speak your name? My friend, He does know your name. I believe we are guilty of hurrying, making noise, and getting caught up in the world’s distractions. As a result, we miss hearing His still, small voice.
Time spent reading the Bible, praying, and seeking God’s guidance are important practices for spiritual growth and well-being. We must also practice quiet and silence in our personal time with the Lord. A wise and godly mentor once told me that it takes time to discern the Lord’s voice. She encouraged me to be still and wait patiently. The words of this hymn often draw me into a peaceful walk with Jesus, serving as a gentle reminder – “and the joy that we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
In the Garden
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy that we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
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
Head to Heart
What would it be like to meet your Lord and Savior—face to face—in a lovely garden? To hear Him speak your name. How would you respond—fall on your knees in worship or begin speaking words of adoration and praise for Him?
Perhaps you have a favorite place to sit—peaceful and calm. I encourage you to go to this spot and spend time with the Lord today or in the next few days. You might begin by reading a passage of Scripture and then sit quietly. Remember, the Lord teaches us good lessons and gently guides our steps when we sit with Him—quiet, patient, and still.
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