Peace Represented By The Lily

November 13th, 2023

by Bro. Duane Marshall
11/13/2023

Matthew 6:25-28 - “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:”

The lily has characteristics that are sacred to the Jews. First, the water lilies will not grow in water that is disturbed or in motion. The plants require still and peaceful water. It is a white flower that has six petals, within which are six long filaments. The heart of this flower is directed upward symbolizing the trust in God; which should be felt by Israel amid all afflictions. The dew makes the lily bloom, but rain destroys it.

The child of God needs to have an inward calm and assurance for spiritual health. That inward peace, though misunderstood by the world, is a gift from God. A life that is lived within God’s will knows what a blessing it is to have such an inward calmness.
Psalm 29:11 - “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”

Isaiah 26:3 - “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Romans 8:6 - “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

Peace is not merely a state of calmness or ease that we seek in desperate times. It is ultimately the condition that can exist between God and you because of the redeeming work of Christ.

I read about a storm that was raging where the sea was beating against the rocks fiercely. The thunder was roaring, and the wind was blowing, but a little bird was in the crevice of the rock with its head serenely under its wing sound asleep. That is a picture of peace. In Christ, we can be at peace in the midst of life’s storms.

What has your heart been directed to lately? Are you lacking in the area of trust? Remember the water lily thrives in still waters. Why don’t you fully trust Jesus with the problems that trouble you? Jesus said, “...Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matt. 6:29). You are more valuable than many sparrows.