Recently, my 3-year-old daughter found a ladybug next to her bed. We thought, how interesting—how did it get in here?

A few days later, she wanted to watch a cartoon about a ladybug girl. That same afternoon, she kept repeating the words, “Ladybug costume! Ladybug costume!”This went on for three hours until she finally fell asleep.

The Lord reminded me how He often speaks by repeating things to get my attention. He then led me to research the purpose of a ladybug and its role in creation.

THE ROLE OF A LADYBUG

Ladybugs serve an essential purpose in creation as natural pest controllers, helping maintain ecological balance. Their primary diet consists of aphids and other small insects that damage plants and crops. By feeding on these pests, ladybugs protect vegetation, including food plants, making them valuable allies to farmers and gardeners.

From an ecological perspective, ladybugs contribute to keeping ecosystems healthy. They prevent the overpopulation of plant-damaging insects, promoting biodiversity by allowing a greater variety of plants to thrive. Their role reflects the intricate design of creation, where even the smallest creatures play a vital part in the well-being of the whole system.

THE GARDEN OF OUR HEART

My daughter finding a ladybug next to her bed is no coincidence. Biblically, a bedroom or bed can symbolize the heart, our inner world, personal walk, and intimacy. Wearing a ladybug costume can represent us BECOMING like the ladybug—called to protect the garden of our hearts, for from it flows life or death.

I believe the Lord is reminding us of the importance of cultivating purity within our hearts. Just as ladybugs protect plants from destructive pests, we are called to guard our hearts from spiritual threats that seek to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). These threats may include lies, bitterness, distractions, or anything drawing us away from God’s truth and purposes.

Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Like the ladybug that faithfully rids the garden of pests, we are encouraged to actively guard our thoughts, beliefs, and affections. This involves removing harmful influences, uprooting lies, and aligning ourselves with God’s Word through regular self-examination.

Jesus’s teaching in John 15 speaks of the vine and branches, where pruning is necessary for fruitfulness. By allowing God’s Word and Spirit to prune us, we can grow spiritually and resist the “pests” that seek to hinder us. Just as ladybugs protect plants so they can thrive, God cultivates our hearts to bear fruit that reflects His love and truth.

A HEART FULL OF LIFE

Let your heart be filled with what is pure, noble, and lovely, so your words overflow with His goodness (Philippians 4:8, Matthew 12:34). Meditate on His Word day and night, and you will be like a tree planted by streams of water, flourishing in every season (Psalm 1:2-3). The Lord is calling us to steward this garden well, for the harvest will come in due time if we do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9).

Oh, and yes—we bought her the ladybug costume, as you can see in the photo attached! 🐞😍

Kaylie Hollins