DEVOTIONAL | SHANNON MILLER.

She wastes not a minute
Waiting for better soil or brighter days
Unsheltered in the wilderness
She springs
For her times are in His hands.

She is free from comparing
With the long-stemmed roses and the lilies
Of the garden tended by hand
She blooms
Because for this she was made.

She does not give a thought
To who will see her along the roadside
Or the trail of the wanderer
She opens
To a delighted audience of One.

She knows the heavy rain
Battering and bending her to the ground
Will pass, and bring a new day’s growth
She bends
And rises again, stronger.

She does not toil or spin
And the Lord turns and wraps her with splendor
“Worry? Why should I worry?”
She laughs
And dances with the changing winds.

Most of those words came to me while I was out for a morning walk in the desert foothills, and saw the wildflower pictured above. I felt that she had a few lessons for me, on how to respond to my own life from a heart rooted in the care of God. I will leave you today with the words of Jesus about the lilies of the field.

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be,” (Luke 12:25-34, NLT).