I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

I love this hymn because it sings of my personal relationship with Jesus.  And it reminds me that I have, because of my redemption, the intimacy with God that Adam and Eve once shared with Him.  And this intimacy is personal.  In Isaiah chapter 43 verse 1, the Lord says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  This song reminds me that Jesus didn’t just save me as one of many, but he saved me, Ginger.  He knows me by name.

And he walks with me, and he talks with me,

And he tells me I am his own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has other known.

Jesus walks with me, and he talks with me.  In fact, a beautiful truth is that he even pursues me.  I don’t have to try to get his attention and hope that he’ll give me a moment.  He is always the one waiting for me.  In Revelation 3:20 Jesus say, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”  That speaks of intimacy: eating together, talking together, getting to know one another.  That is the kind of relationship he wants with me.

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.

Every day Jesus calls to me to meet with him in our special garden.  Yes, he is always with me, but it’s here where I get to know him as friend.  It’s here that I’m filled with wonder at his amazing grace.  Here that I’m struck anew with awe that he would want me as his prize.  Here where I see his beauty, and can start to see it reflected in me.  It’s here in our quiet, personal time together that he walks with me and talks with me and tells me I’m his own.

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.