The plowed life is the life that has, in the act of repentance, thrown down the protecting fences and sent the plow of confession into the soul. The urge of the Spirit, the pressure of circumstances and the distress of fruitless living have combined thoroughly to humble the heart.

Such a life has put away defense, and has forsaken the safety of death for the peril of life. Discontent, yearning, contrition, courageous obedience to the will of God: these have bruised and broken the soil till it is ready again for the seed. And as always fruit follows the plow. Life and growth begin as God “rains down righteousness.” Such a one can testify, “And the hand of the Lord was upon me there.”

Plowed fields have the opportunity to seize the rain. Plowed fields have the opportunity to receive the seed of the Kingdom properly. Plowed fields ARE hard work. It is a place where we do indeed forsake the safety of death for the peril of life. Living is just plain dangerous.

Praying IS work. But if we want that beautiful saying, “And the hand of the Lord was upon me there,” we need the plow put into the soil of our hearts.