WEEKLY FEATURE
Consider the Lilies in Winter
"Consider the lilies of the field, and how they grow; they do not toil nor spin, yet even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Luke 12:27 (KJV)
I watched as winter's first snowflakes began to fall and dance about like glittering confetti. Within an hour or two, the landscape outside had turned from dull green into the most brilliant white. The fields of lilies around them bowed their heads and said goodbye until next spring. Then one by one, they disappeared under layers of fluffy snow. As if God told them to, each flower fell into a deep winter sleep, and neither the howling winds nor the creaking sounds of the pine trees above could wake them up.
There were seasons when I wished I could have slept until a new spring season. But after my parents died, each before I turned 24, I was filled with worry and sadness. Little did I know that God would mend my heart and fill the emptiness with three awesome children and, to date, eight precious grandchildren!
The lilies sleep peacefully, unaware that the world around them is still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and countries are at war. They are oblivious that more people than ever are suffering from anxiety and depression, or the fear of death or losing a loved one keeps them tossing and turning. Studies show that this is the number one fear. Meanwhile, few people want to discuss it or share their feelings about it, even those living in the Christian community.
Jesus spoke from the heart about fear and anxiety. It was in His Sermon on the Mount where he used the lilies as living proof of the Creator's beauty, compassion, and care. He asks us to trust and believe in his Father's perfect care. After all, we are created in His image.
Dear friends, if you or someone you love is experiencing depression or anxiety, I know from personal experience that our loving God wants us to have a personal relationship with him built on trust. The more we surrender to the healing power of God, the sooner doubt, fear, and worry will fade away, and you will begin to look forward to springtime and a fresh beginning. What better season than Christmas?
At the end of His sermon, Jesus revealed what should be the most significant goal in our lives. A verse every Christian should commit to memory is Matthew 6:33. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the God who never sleeps, watching over us night and day. Thank You that You are Love and want the best for Your children. Thank You for keeping all Your promises. Forgive me when I try to control difficult situations in my life. The Bible says that You are not the God of confusion but peace. So, help me, Father, to rest in Your love and to feel the peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.