in a valley…consider the lily

 

In A Valley…..Consider the Lily

The present economic conditions have been labeled by top financial analysts as the worst recession since the great depression. Foreclosures are at an all time high, with unemployment hovering at ten per cent and continued massive personal and corporate bankruptcies.Although there are varying opinions among the economists, the consensus is that based on leading indicators, such as, increased home sales and reduction in new applications for unemployment benefits that the economy is probably bottoming out. Most do not believe that recovery will be short and robust but gradual, possibly over several years.Many of us are struggling and worried about providing just the bare essentials. In Matt. 6:28-30 Jesus says, “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. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”The purpose of this metaphor is to strengthen our faith. Lilies are tenacious meaning to hold firm, be stubborn, and persistent, to tough it out. They have the incredible ability to survive wherever they are planted. Tenacity is effective also in the commercial world as well as God’s Kingdom.A poignant example occurred in the life of Thomas Edison. After twelve hundred unsuccessful experiments to create the light bulb, his assistants encouraged him to give up. He stated that they were twelve hundred successful ways of how not to create a light bulb. With tenacity he continued and was successful after approximately three hundred more experiments.Spiritually, Hebrews chapter eleven, describes great men and women of God, who walked in faith as they tenaciously believed God despite not receiving the promise. Secondly, lilies also have healing qualities. Some lesser known members of the lily family are onions, leaks, garlic, asparagus and aloe. These are some of the most therapeutic plants in agriculture. Garlic is known the world over as a premier health tonic, and aloe has been used for centuries as a healing balm for cuts and burns.God has placed in us similar healing qualities. Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” (Matt 5:13) Salt is a cleaner, healer, and preserver. As His disciples, we have the capability of ministering healing to the lives of individuals we interact with, those that may be walking in a valley of despair. Lastly, lilies are beautiful.Lilies possess an outward beauty that sets them apart from all of the plants. In the same respect, God wants us to be set apart for Him keeping ourselves pure and holy in the beauty of holiness. Jesus said, “That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (lilies) (Matt:6:29) While Solomon may have begun his life in holiness, faithful to God, the changing circumstances and his own deception in marrying hundreds of heathen wives, and worshipping their false and idolatrous gods changed him.Unlike the lily, Solomon did not remain true to who he was and how he was created by God. On the outside, he was rich, but inwardly his true beauty was destroyed. As we face changing circumstances and uncertain economic times, let our prayer be Lord help us to be steadfast and tenacious like the lily, with a strong determination to thrive wherever you have planted us. Strengthen us to be salt and light, bringing healing to our world and guide us on a path of holiness as we follow you.If we happen to fall into the valley of despair, we can look to Jesus who is the lily of the valley and the bright and morning star. He will sustain us in the valley in this present world and carry us into a bright new morning with Him forever.