Originally published Friday, 03 August 2018.
Fallow ground is hard, dry and full of ruts. It wasn't always this way as it once produced fruit but through neglect, it has become fallow. If it stays in this state the only thing it will produce is weeds, which are generally good for nothing. I like to garden and play in the dirt. Before planting seeds or plants, I have to make sure the soil is loose and ready to receive the plants. If the soil is tight, I have to use a pitchfork or something similar to break up the dirt and to remove the weeds. This typically happens at the beginning of the planting season after a period of rest. This is strenuous work.
I first heard the expression "Fallow Ground" in this song from The Winans. Break up your fallow ground (Hos. 10:12; Jer.4:3) means, "Do not sow your seed among thorns." In other words, break off all your evil habits; clear your hearts of weeds, in order that they may be prepared for the seed of righteousness. The land was allowed to lie fallow that it might become more fruitful but when left in this condition, it soon became overgrown with thorns and weeds. The cultivator of the soil was careful to "break up" his fallow ground, i.e., to clear the field of weeds, before sowing seed in it. (Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/fallow-ground/)
Our hearts can become fallow ground if we're not careful. Bad habits may come in when we're resting, when we're not vigilant, or when we're coasting. We need to dig deep and do the strenuous work to "break it up."
I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now, is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’
Hosea 10:12 [NLT]
What do you need to break up in your life so that you will have room to grow and bear fruit?
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