Consider the Lilies

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Where I live, I can see this shift taking place now. We’ve had lots of unusually warm days and rain showers. Little buds have started appearing on trees, seemingly overnight. As the sun breaks through the clouds, the little wildflowers that have started to rise from the ground open to reveal their beautiful colors and designs.

It dawned on me recently: None of this beauty required me lifting a finger! Have I ever really stopped to appreciate how life is brought forth and sustained solely by our faithful Creator?

“Consider the lilies,” Jesus said, “how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:28-30)

Are you worried today about something in your life, or in the life of a friend or family member? Are you anxious about a need or consumed with tomorrow’s uncertainties?

“Consider the ravens,” Jesus said, “for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” (Luke 12:24).

If God watches over every bird, and every flower – many of which no man or woman may ever see or know about – then you can know that He watches over you, knows what you need, and is able to meet those needs.

But that worrying that you’re doing? It only aggravates anxiety and makes things more difficult – because it takes your eyes off Him, the One who desires to (and the only One who can) give you peace through trusting Him.

Don’t have an anxious mind, Jesus said (Luke 12:29), “but seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you” (Luke 12:31).

And Paul wrote: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Rather than worry, express your need to God. Let Him know that you trust Him to guide and provide. Every day! For Jesus taught us to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), and to keep our minds and hearts on the treasure of eternity,

His kingdom to come (Luke 12:34; Matthew 6:10).

If you catch yourself becoming anxious today – go look at those birds, go look at those flowers. And take all to the Lord in prayer.