Flowers and Worry
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith. Luke 12.27
As we begin to leave winter behind and approach spring, let’s do what Jesus commands to remove anxiety: consider the lilies. Perhaps you are beginning to see little shoots appearing in the garden. Perhaps you prefer to buy arrangements of flowers and put them in a vase in the house. Perhaps you are allergic to lilies specifically and they make you sneeze!
Consider them, says Jesus. Stare at them. They just sit there, unstressed, neither toiling nor spinning. The beauty of flowers is unsurpassed – but it’s not earned, just given by God. If God dresses them like that even though they are temporary, will he not also clothe you, who have an eternal soul? So why be anxious?
Is it because of our desires? We tend to want more than just enough to eat, enough to wear. We tend to want better food, better clothes, better friends, a better reputation and a better place to live. I want a multitude of things that may or may not be possible. I want, I want, I want. What would Jesus say about all these desires which can lead to worries? Consider the flowers.
Flowers don’t try to be something they’re not. They soak up the water and nutrients provided by God and grow in obscurity for most of the year. Then when the seasons turn and the sun comes out they rejoice! They fulfil their purpose, given to them by Him.
Flowers don’t compete with each other. Roses don’t long to be as tall or as bright or as yellow as sunflowers. They have been made by God just as they are – and that doesn’t concern them one bit! Flowers are fragile. Petals can be destroyed by the wind and yet the flower can reappear the next year. God resurrects them. Will he not much more resurrect you, O you of little faith?
If you get anxious, don’t consider Facebook or Instagram; don’t consider your bank account, or your work, or your car, or your possessions. Consider the flowers around you and the God who made them. That will help you find peace, calm and contentment. Augustine said, ‘You made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.’
Sincerely in Christ
Bill
