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. (Luke 12:27 ESV
It’s the simple things. The common daylily that opens its lovely petals at dawn and by dusk is already fading … each magnificent flower lasting only a day, then quickly replaced by another. A shimmering rainbow hanging out of a dreary sky. Monarch butterflies dancing among the flowers. The laugh of a baby, innocent and happy.
Isn’t it lovely that our Lord taught us to stop and consider the small things? In this huge, busy, troubled world, Jesus bids us pause and really look at tiny things—and learn from them. Consider the intricacy of a flower, formed as a seed, nourished by sun and rain and soil, delicate in its beauty, unique, and distinctive … here for such a short little time. Would any of us bother to create something that elaborate knowing how quickly it would fade? God bothered. He bothered to do this amazing thing, to create beauty that strikes joy in our hearts and lifts our cares for just a moment or two. His assurance to us is that if He cares that much for the details of a flower, He certainly cares for us. “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 12:28 ESV).
What happens when we consider the rainbow? We remember: No matter how dark, there will be an end to that darkness. Scholars believe that Noah worked for decades building the ark. Then, he gathered the animals, shut himself inside with them and his family and endured 40 days of continuous rain followed by a 150-day flood and then a long wait until dry land reappeared. Basically, that was a very long period of darkness and uncertainty. Terrifying, really. I mean, all of mankind was being destroyed. Noah and his family would be trapped in that boat, so it sure better float. Yet … in the end, Noah and his family were able to create a new life in a lush and fertile world. The rainbow was a reminder to him—and to us—that God will never again use a flood to destroy all life. And to this day, after the storm comes a rainbow. A rainbow that tells me to hang on. Fills me with awe when I witness all that multicolored beauty stretching wide across the sky. Definitely worth the considering.
How about those Monarch butterflies dancing among the flowers? Think of all the many lessons they teach us. Those butterflies didn’t start out flying—they slogged along as caterpillars. Before the flying and beauty came a season of darkness and waiting. When I see a Monarch, I remember that with God the Creator, transformation is possible.
I’m enjoying a sweet baby these days, one of four grandchildren staying at our house for a time with their mama while their daddy is traveling. The innocence of this baby’s laughter tugs at my heart. Just smiling at that little guy turns into a wide grin on my face and a chuckle. He reminds me that I am God’s child. I don’t need to have all the answers. When I look toward God, He sees me with joy and laughter because He loves me even more than I love that sweet little baby boy.
Lord God, thank You for the life lessons in the simple, everyday things. Give me eyes to see and a heart to stop and consider all You have made and all that Your creation teaches me about You. Thank You for the reassurance that You, who care for the daylily and the grasses that last only a short while, certainly care for me! Lord, You’ve made a beautiful world. You speak through all You have made. Thank You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
You are loved,
Sharon
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision To encourage a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth that stillness and knowing God matter most—
and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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