In Songs of Songs 2:1 we read – “…I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley.” Online research for this verse says – “The beauty of Believers consists in their conformity and resemblance to Jesus Christ. They are His love, and so they are as lilies, for those are made like Christ in whose hearts His love is shed abroad.”
Sharon is a desert – a dry, challenging place, while a valley can signify difficulties. During trials and hardships, we need to blossom like a rose and a lily. In the Bible, a lily depicts purity, beauty, and cleanliness. Anxieties hinder us from revealing the beauty of Christ. In Matt. 6:27-29 Jesus said, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.”
As children of God, we reflect His glory, like the beauty of radiant lilies. Many Believers use lilies on the coffins of their deceased loved ones because lilies are a symbol of Eternal life and resurrection. In John 1:25 Jesus said to Martha – “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he dies, yet shall he live…”
Lilies were used in the decorations of the Ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Some of the columns were adorned with lily motifs symbolizing beauty and purity in a sacred place. Lilies are a sign of provision. In Luke 12:27 Jesus said, “Consider the lilies, how they grow – they neither work nor spin,” In other words, Abba Father provides for them like He does for us. HE is the One who adorns us with His beauty and cares for our needs.
In Hosea 14:5 God promises to heal His people and make them flourish like a lily. “I will be like the dew of Israel. He will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon.” The early morning dew [Christ’s love] refreshes, revives, replenishes, and renews lilies (and us), restoring us SO THAT we blossom. We can soak in Christ’s righteousness, His beauty and glory when we enter His sweet presence.
Thank You so much precious Father, that You say in 1 Corinthians 2:9 that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Please help me to blossom like a lily in the valley in all its total beauty – YOUR fullness and loveliness and holiness, so that others may “…taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” [Psalm 34:8] Help me to radiate Your glory, purity, and godliness to all those I meet, even if I walk in valleys of troubles or during dry times. In Jesus precious Name I pray, Amen.
Myrtle Turunen