Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Consider the lilies

I worry. I admit it. I know that I'm not supposed to be anxious about anything. I know God will provide and protect and work everything out according to His purpose. But I still often have a healthy dose of what my mother-in-law likes to call "God given concern."

We're told in Matthew 6 to look at the birds of the air and the lilies of the field - they don't sow or reap or worry about what they will wear, but they are fed and clothed in splendor.


I have lilies on my front porch right now, and they are glorious. I love walking up to my house, and seeing beautiful yellow lilies on either side of my front door. They truly are one of the most beautiful flowers God created. The petals are delicate but strong, with those pretty little dots, and that pollen that will stain your skin for weeks!

But isn't my life just a tad bit more complicated than the life of a flower? I mean, the lily sits in dirt and does nothing but look pretty, so of course it's easy for God to take care of it! But what about my life? Can He really provide for me?

The answer, of course, is a resounding yes. If He can create and sustain the entire universe with just His breath, of course He can sustain me. And He will. My lilies are my reminder.


I also wanted to add a little personal note here that you won't find on the Through the Lens of Worship site. When this posts on Wednesday, I'll actually be up in the mountains, far away from cell phones and internet. Thanks to the magic of technology, I'm actually writing this on Saturday! Tomorrow is Father's Day, and tomorrow is also the day I leave for Royal Family Kids' Camp. This will be my second year working at this camp, and I am excited and overwhelmed right now. The week will be halfway over by the time any of you read this, but if you see this note before Friday the 25th, please pray for our campers and staff. The week of camp is exhausting, and challenging, and emotionally draining, and so, so very worth it because we are given the opportunity to show God's love to children who have been hurt very badly.