Woman to Woman: What Can the Flowers Teach Us?

As I seek encounters with God throughout my day in the small moments or simply in a quiet break from the demands, learning from creation around me is my favorite respite.

Recently working from home, I chose a quiet walk through the many well-kept garden beds on our property. The flowers not only brightened my day but brought a familiar lesson to the forefront of my mind.

Consider the Flowers

Taking my time wandering through the various flower beds on our property, taking in each unique flower grouping, along with the bees and butterflies, though hot proved quite relaxing.

I determined before setting out, I would not rush through this opportunity like another task on my To-Do list but enjoy the full experience.

Just when I thought I found my favorite, The next new bed of flowers took my breath away.

Concluding my quiet stroll, I turned and looked back over the beds and Matthew 6:28-29 came into my mind:

"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

Certainly, I have read of Solomon's glory in the Old Testament and read these verses in Matthew many times; but today, glancing over each carefully tended bed of so many beautiful flowers, the words came to life for me.

Lavish Provisions from a Loving Father

Matthew 6 falls into Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount contained in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7. Earlier in the same chapter Jesus teaches about giving, prayer, and fasting. He takes a slight turn in verse 19, when He warns of laying up treasures on earth, instructing us rather to lay up treasure in heaven.

He then gives the reason for the warning in verses 21-24; our heart follows our "treasure"; we cannot serve God and worry about earthly possessions and money. He then moves quickly into His admonition to forsake worry, even worry for food, clothing, or the simple provisions of life.

Why?

Because the Father already knows our needs, physically, emotionally, and spiritually before we ask. Why ask then? We ask for our own sakes, to grow our faith and trust in the Father's love and provision for us.
Because the Father lavishly feeds the birds of air; they neither work for their food nor plant or harvest it but receive from His hand. Shall He not feed us also, as His beloved children of much more value than the birds?
Because the Father lavishly clothes the flowers of the field. They neither work for their clothes nor make them, yet the beauty of their adornment exceeds the richest most glorious king to ever live.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Once back inside, lingering over the flowers in my mind and photographs, awestruck by the intricate beauty and design of each, I smiled.

Truly, the verses in Matthew 6 and Philippians 4:6-7 became real for me. If my heavenly Father elaborately cared for the flowers of the field, what good and needful thing would be denied me?

As His beloved child, I had but to ask for my need and His lavish provisions would be showered upon me.

Reflection:

When was the last time you lingered in God’s Presence amid His creation?

Where is your treasure resting today?