Lilies are some of the “happiest” and most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. There are over 100 different types of lilies and they come in the most vibrant, brilliant colors. Just imagine God with a great big paint brush perfectly designing and dressing each and every one. When I look at lilies in full bloom, they always appear to be in a surrender type position. The flower pedals are leaning back with their leaves up in total surrender, standing tall, wide open and transparent to the inner core. The best part about lilies is that they are very easy to care for, as long as they are planted in a spot where they can soak up lots of sunlight. Lilies thrive better when they have about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is so encouraging to know so much about this flower species and to know that God chose this flower, in all its brilliance to illustrate his love for his people. Listed below are two passages of scriptures where lilies are referenced; the first is Matthew 6:28-29 and the second is Luke 12:27-28. Both scriptures talk about the effortless beauty of the lily and how they literally don’t have to do anything (they toil not) to become so ornate, because God has already made them that way.
Matthew 6:28-29 (KJV)
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luke 12:27-40 (KJV)
27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Both scriptures speak to trust and faith. Not to focus on our needs because God takes care of that. Most importantly the scripture reminds us that when you do take matters into our own hands we are exhibiting a lack of great faith in God an in his promises. When we lack faith and trust, it is usually because we are lacking in our relationship with God and because we don’t even know what he has promised to us. If the lily needs 6 to 8 hours a day of sunlight to thrive, I believe we need 6 to 8 hours of “Son” light also. So how do we soak up this much “Son”light on a daily basis. Here are a ten ways we can do this:
- Be thankful each morning for life and the ability to see the beginning of a new day.
- Before we look at our calendars or days agenda, look inside our hearts and examine our thoughts and motives.
- Make time to read God’s promises and what he requires of us.
- Glorify God in how we care for and dress our bodies and, even with the food choices we make throughout the day.
- Watch our words, they have power. Use our words to speak life into someone, even if they offend us in some way.
- Count our blessings and be thankful for what we have been given.
- Choose not to complain about what we do not have.
- Pray for direction and to use our gifts responsibly.
- Find ways to cheerfully give more than you seek to receive each day.
- Before going to bed, end your day with prayer and praise for what God was able to accomplish through you.
Did you think of other ways you can add to this list? Please add your comments below.
No matter what is going on in our lives, no matter how busy we get,
remember the lilies and that God cares for us and adorns us in the same manner.