Solomon and the lilies

As I looked at my blooming lilies, this passage came to mind: "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" (Luke 12:26-28)

I confess to being a worrier. Faith and trust come hard.

Looking at my lilies reminds me that my Father cares for me just as I tend my flowers. I weed and water them, mulch and fertilize them. Their welfare is my responsibility. Flowering is their responsibility.

So it is with my Father. He tends me so that I may flower and produce fruit.

Why am I borrowing trouble and carrying responsibilities that are not mine to bear?

My Heavenly Father beckons me to give my worries to Him.

I wish I only had to do that once, that all concerns would vanish the first time I confessed my worrying. Such is not the case. I must repeatedly hand over my worries. Just as I build physical muscle through exercise, I build spiritual muscle through exercising discipline over my mind.

Worrying makes my flowers diseased and wilted. I want to produce beautiful flowers, so I must turn over my worries to the One who cares for me.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:7)