I have been a worrier most of my life. In order to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us [me]” as Hebrews 12:1 commands, I have committed to memorizing many passages of Scripture about this besetting sin.
A precious hidden truth (among many) is found at the end of Jesus’ parable about the rich man who tears down his barns to build bigger barns to house his burgeoning crops, so that he can “eat, drink, and be merry.” (Luke 12:19) Jesus rebukes this rich man for laying up treasure on earth, not in heaven. He then warns His audience about the fruitlessness of many of the things that they (and we) worry about. Some of my favorite verses underline this truth (Luke 12:27-28): “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. 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?”
I don’t know about you, but gardening is not second-nature to me. As much as I love to see the beautiful spring buds and blooms, I’m quite helpless when it comes to their nurture and care. I have a patch of daffodils and tulips in our front flower bed that, by now, should have little red and yellow budding flowers, but for the second year in a row they baffle me by sending out their lovely green shoots yet never producing the expected flowers. My son Luke volunteered to “pull the weeds” the other day— specifically referring to my beloved, non-producing, spring bulbs! I tried to explain that they are flowers…without the necessary “flowers.” Perhaps this year they will finally emerge?
Maybe you are like me, and you don’t have beautiful spring lilies to consider in your garden? If so, I have a suggestion. At this time of year, take a drive along any of Kentucky’s winding back roads, through our rolling farmlands, and consider the purple deadnettle and henbit appearing everywhere. They don’t have nearly as lovely a name as “lily,” but—for me, at least—their dazzling beauty has the same effect. Shakespeare said, it best: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Purple deadnettle and henbit (“clover,” to the botanically-challenged) in bloom is just as breathtaking as a field of lillies! And, yes, I realize the others are weeds, but, if our faithful Provider and Giver of Life clothes a weed so beautifully, will He not take care of all that concerns us?
With that in mind, here’s a challenge to get outside (bundle up if you must), and consider the lilies, the sparrows, and the beauty of God’s creation in springtime! It’s all around us, and it’s glorious with new life. Scripture is true: once you’ve considered the lilies (even the purple deadnettle and henbit) you will find yourself again marveling at the creative talent of our great God. Soon, your worries and fears will fade away!