I will be like the dew to Israel; He will blossom like the lily, And he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon.
Hosea 14:5
God, the most artistic, visual Storyteller of all, the Master Planner of the universe, created you for Himself, for a purpose. That is the very reason the Bible begins with the creation of the world, of everything He called into existence, including the lilies. He gave life, planting these amazing flowers in all the countless places where they were born to bloom, to dig deep and blossom in beauty.
The lily is found throughout the Bible as a flower as well as a metaphor. As we talked about yesterday, the lily was incorporated into the design of the bronze pillars of King Solomon’s palace. The lily was also part of the portrait created to represent Israel and the promise of restoration. The bold rich colors, elaborate shapes, spectacular height, and powerful fragrance symbolized what Israel would look like to the world. Make no mistake that God is the Artist who know show to captivate the eye by the exterior attributes of His creation.
Incredible how, like the lily, we too have been created with splendor inthe image of the Creator. Of course, the exterior becomes even more dazzling as the interior pours forth the alluring fragrance within us to represent Christ. He plants us in places that He knows will provide the richest soil in which we can bloom. But first, we must go through the process of taking root.
Gardeners and botanists offer their advice on the importance of planting lily bulbs for optimal growth to ensure blooms that will return year after year. Taking in their well-laid instructions for planting, I have seen the many similarities between our lives and the lily.
The lily must be planted in the:
- Right place
- For deep rich soil.
- For proper hydration and water flow.
- With lots of sun.
- To offer long life.
- Right space
- With room for the roots to spread out.
- Offering stability to stand tall and strong.
- For depth to keep the bulb cool when faced with hot temperatures.
- Before the first freeze of winter to establish roots and produce spring blooms.
You were created and born to stand tall, to show off with your brilliant showy colors, and be fruitful in your life. You were born to bloom!
Roots
Comparing your current spiritual environment to the analogy ofthe lily’s “right space” and “right place,” is there anything in your life that may be hurting or stunting your maturity and stability?
Blooms
Comparing your current spiritual environment to the analogy of the lily’s “right space” and “right place,” what factors in your life are encouraging and nurturing you to grow and bloom?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, show me the changes I need to make to strengthen my roots to grow in You. Help me to stay in the right space and the right place to bloom in all the ways You designed me when You shaped and formed me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
