The 'ground' attracts us, regardless of age

Many references are made to the word “ground” in the Bible. “The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” Genesis 2:7, NIV).

“And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9, NIV).

“Now the LORD had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name” (Genesis 2: 19, NIV).

In Biblical times, the ground was allowed to “rest” every seven years to have better soil. Have you ever wondered why people lived so long in Bible times? There were no pesticides and no preservatives. Food were eaten in natural state.

God’s people had every reason to be stressful being encompassed about by so many enemies, but his people had a deep trust and respect for their God. David said, “Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, (NCV).

We could not survive without the ground. We are dependent on it for our food and the farmers who produce it. When God was talking to Moses in Exodus 3:5, he told Moses to take off his shoes because he was standing on Holy Ground. God is a Holy God. He is sovereign and not to be approached disrespectfully or with frivolity. Moses displayed reverence by taking off his shoes and I’m sure others did too.

I’m so glad God painted the ground brown. Any other color would not seem right. Don’t you love to smell ground after a rain” Don’t you love to dig in the ground and smell it? I do.

There is just something about the ground. After my first airplane ride I was more than happy to get back to the ground.

Children love to play in the sandbox. Most of us love the garden and we work in the ground. The ‘ground’ attracts us, whatever age. God created us and he also created everything we would ever need in this physical body.

We stand on holy ground when we “love our neighbor.”

We stand on holy ground when we are rooted and grounded in the faith.

We are standing on holy ground when we respect and honor God.

I love to sing:

“We are standing on holy ground.

And I know that there are angels all around.

Let us praise Jesus now;

We are standing in his presence on holy ground.”

Let’s sing on holy ground this Sunday.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is:

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