Considering the Lilies

Considering the Lilies

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

In this season, the Lord is leading me into a time of considering, a time of looking more deeply into His word and into the world around me, a time to note carefully, to learn thoroughly.  I began this journey with Luke 12:27:  "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Lilies grow all over the world. The Snowdon grows in alpine tundra. Other lilies thrive in the deserts.  Some grow in the shade. Others grow in the sun. Some even grow in the water.

Lilies, like people, grow in unusual environments.  No matter their differences, they still are lilies.

Mary, Mary, don’t be so contrary.

Stop and consider how God’s garden grows.

Some in the cold.

Some in the warm.

Some in the city.

Some on the farm.

No matter the situation or the place.

Not one is hidden from the Maker’s grace.

A lily is more than just another pretty face.  Dried lilies are a rich in fiber, sodium and carbohydrates. Lily bulbs have proteins, starch and other vitamins and minerals.  One of the benefits of the lily is that it helps to regulate the heart rate. The roots of the lily are used in an ointment for treating burns and preventing scar tissue.

In some parts of the world, roots of the wood lily are used as medicinal teas to treat coughs, fevers, stomach disorders as well as wounds.

The essential oil of the lily is used in aromatherapy to treat depression.  The oil is also used in the perfume industry.

Some lilies are surprising!!

The onion and its relatives belong to the lily family. Some, such as the allium, are ornamental; the garlic, leek, Welsh onion, and chive are vegetables. All of the edible forms have related flavors and odors that are due to a volatile, irritating substance.

Those people and situations are grace growers.  We grow in grace as we learn to be more gracious in our dealings with them.

It’s all in the attitude, our attitude.  I can either be a lonely little petunia in a onion patch or a blessed little petunia in a lily patch. It’s all in my perception and attitude.

In the beauty of the lilies, we see the majesty of our Creator.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20).

He is the lily of the valleys. (Song of Solomon 2:1) Valleys represent times of trial and temptation.

The flower we call the lily of the valley pictures the love, purity, humility, healing and hope we have in Jesus.  He heals not only our ailing physical hearts, but also our broken emotional hearts. Likewise, He heals the scars of abuse, neglect and betrayal.   He is our healer, our comfort, our joy.

He is also the lily of our mountain top experiences, our times of victory and triumph. He rejoices in our exultation. “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you in His love, He will rejoice over you with singing'' (Zephaniah 3:17).

Consider the Lilies

By Joel Hemphill

“Consider the lilies they don't toil nor spin

And there's not a king with more splendor than them

Consider the sparrows they don't plant nor sow

But they're fed by the Master who watches them grow

We have a heavenly Father above

With eyes full of mercy and a heart full of love

He really cares when your head is bowed low

Consider the lilies and then you will know

May I introduce you to this Friend of mine

Who hangs out the stars tells the sun when to shine

And kisses the flowers each morning with dew

But He's not too busy to care about you.”

He does really care when your head is bowed low.  Take time to consider the lilies and then you will know.