Consider the Lilies

This weekend I was given an opportunity to house/dogsit for a very good friend of mine while she and her family had a weekend getaway of their own. Of course, I jumped at the chance for some peace and quiet, relaxation, doggy lovin’, and pool side respite.

This morning after feeding the pups, getting alone with Jesus, stuffing my face, and throwing back two cups of coffee, I ventured out into the back yard with the animals to get some fresh air and ponder my own thoughts while they did their business.

As I looked beyond the fenced in pool, past the mildly dense foliage, and out over the lake, I noticed what appeared to be swampy water topped with little white dots. Puzzled but with my phone in hand, I strolled down the hill to the left of the pool to grab a closer look and perhaps, a picture or two.

I discovered that what was giving me the initial impression of this beautiful scenery were actually waterlilies. Big round and bright green leaves were spread over this body of water and upon a sporadic number of them rested beautiful white flowers: the lily.

Since my discovery this morning I have sunbathed, gone for a swim, played with the dogs, watched some movies, cooked for myself (yes…yes, I did, mom!), had a full conversation with one of the five cats, taken a nap, and sunbathed some more…but I have not been able to get away from what I saw this morning. More specifically, I haven’t been able to get away from the lily.

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I’ve had a particular new album by Maverick City Music & Elevation Worship on repeat on Spotify since it came out a few weeks ago, and today was no exception. My most favorite song is called Jireh, and I heard it several times while sunbathing. Naomi Raines sings in the tagline close to the end:

If He dresses the lilies with beauty and splendor

How much more will He clothe you? How much more will He clothe you?

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Y’all…I think this is what God was trying to show me today. I worry more than I think those closest to me realize. My thoughts are constantly going full speed ahead on the ‘What if?’ train. I try and I try to pull the proverbial emergency break on them but a lot of times, the ‘What if?’ locomotive continues on until some days it’s completely out of control.

Questions like: What if I lose my job? What if I wreck my car? What if I can’t pay my bills? What if something happens to my home? What if I relapse? What if I’m out of God’s will? What if I really am supposed to be alone? What if I never know the full extent of my purpose? What if? What if? What if? The list could go on for days.

The uncertainty of the unknown is a scary place…when you don’t know Jesus. But I do. And the realization that I STILL struggle with worrying about my future lets me know that I have yet to fully trust Him with it. Part of me is attempting to be discouraged about that. But the other part of me is humbled by another realization…God spoke to me today through the discovery of a waterlily. He met me where I was in that moment: worried, unsure, anxious, and discontented.

What kind of God chooses to speak to me through a flower and a song? My God does. He knew what I needed this morning, and He provided it for me. Why? Because He is Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider.

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30 NLT

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Lord, in those moments when I am too often and easily distracted by worries about my life and the future you have for me, remind me of the lily. Remind me that you so patiently and wonderfully chose to clothe it in beauty and splendor, so how much more must you love me? Remind me that you will ALWAYS provide for me when I put my full and complete trust in You and Your plan for my life. You are my Provider, and more than enough for me, Jesus. Thank you for choosing to speak to me today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

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