Breathe Deep the Garden

God didn’t place us in a factory. He placed us in a garden.

Genesis 2:8 tells us, “Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He put the man He had formed.” This was humanity’s first home—a place filled with trees, flowers, fruits, and herbs. Not only was it beautiful, it was healing. And today, though we’re far from Eden, God’s design still lingers in every leaf, petal, and plant.

When we breathe in the scent of lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus, something shifts. Our nervous system calms. Our heart rate slows. Our bodies remember they’re safe. This isn’t by accident—this is by design. Plants carry healing within them. They always have.

Essential oils, in their purest form, are simply concentrated extracts from plants God created. And while they’re not a replacement for prayer or medical care, they can be a powerful tool in supporting the body. Lavender can help with sleep and stress. Peppermint can energize and relieve headaches. Frankincense—used since biblical times—can reduce inflammation and support emotional healing.

God filled the earth with these gifts, not to replace Him, but to point us back to Him. He’s the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), and the plants of the earth are no exception. Their beauty, their fragrance, their healing properties—they all speak of a Creator who cares not just about our salvation, but our everyday well-being.

This is why I believe we should approach essential oils and herbal remedies with reverence, not hype. Not because the oils themselves are magic, but because they’re made from creation—and creation reflects its Creator.

Try this sometime: when you’re feeling anxious or heavy-hearted, grab your favorite oil. Put a drop in your palm, rub your hands together, close your eyes, and inhale deeply. As you breathe in, offer a simple prayer: Lord, thank You for this moment, for this breath, for the healing You’ve built into Your creation. Help me rest in Your peace.

Healing doesn’t always have to be dramatic. Sometimes, it’s quiet. It smells like rosemary and bergamot. It happens in small, sacred pauses throughout the day.

So if you’ve got a few oils tucked away in a drawer, don’t forget they were made for a purpose. Use them. Enjoy them. Let them draw you back to the garden—and to the God who planted it with you in mind.