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Song of Solomon 2:1 – I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. (NIV)
During my years as a pastor, I did many funerals, and one thing, which always struck me amidst the grief of the situation, was the flowers and the effect that they had upon the mourners. The beauty of the floral arrangements dried the tears of sorrow, if only for a moment or two, as people gravitated toward the displays. Conversations swayed away from despair and hopelessness as family members admired the various hues, blooms, and scents. Each arrangement, no matter how simple, much like the beacon of a lighthouse, radiated hope amidst the storm of death. Their simplicity, their fragility, their strength, their intricacy, their vibrancy, their beauty, their fragrance, their uniqueness spoke volumes without ever uttering a word.
Psalm 30:5b – Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (NIV)
I feel that these words, penned by David, sum up the song of their silent vigil as they grace our places of mourning.
When a loved one dies, something in each of us dies, too. Death brings change: never again will we be quite the same as we were before its entrance. Yet this change does not mean that life will never again be good, wonderful, fragrant, or full of hopes and dreams for the future, for God is merciful, faithful, and compassionate. He cares for those who mourn and heals the brokenhearted.
If your heart is heavy this day due to the death of a dream, a hope, a loved one, look to the glory of the flowers, and let them point you to the most wondrous bloom of all, the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley: Christ, whose fragrance, love, beauty, and the splendour of Whose holiness have the power to change us:
Psalm 30:11-12 – You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. (NIV)
Yes, weeping may remain for a night, but with Christ beside us, rejoicing shall come in the morning.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley, Your Son, Jesus Christ. May the splendour of His holiness and the fragrance and beauty of His love radiate within our lives this day, that our hearts might sing to Him forever and not be silent. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Good words Lynne. Thanks for sharing.
Loved this one, Lynne and so true.
Keep writing.
Amen!
Thank YOU for writing a beautiful devotional for us.
What beautiful images your devotion triggered in my soul! Thanks for sharing your devotional today.
Lynne, Thank you for this beautiful devotional. Such hope the flowers bring for a new day and life with Him.
Thank-you Lynne for yet another lovely devotional. The words are so true, especially in light of the fact that my beloved husband was suddenly “called home” earlier this year. (He also was a pastor)
Thank you for today’s devotional. We have a Rose of Sharon in bloom just now right outside the bedroom window its a joy to behold. I am most grateful to all who contribute to Daily devotions. I am always happy to read the Homily. God Bless.
Dear Lynne!
Thank you for the beautifully written THE FLOWERS that have a silent and special effect in them. Truly in Christ the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley we take in the “silent” comfort and joy in times of sorrow and weeping and uncertainties.
God bless!
Good morning Lynne:
My wife has gone to be with our heavenly Father just recently. She was a master gardener and had a deep love of the Lord our God. Thank you so much for the wonderful Devotional this morning, which carries so much meaning for me. I shall read it often.
God Bless you and pleas keep writing daily devotionals.
Hi Lynne
Thanks for these inspired thoughts. Such amazing timing, considering many of us here at church have heavy hearts after a memorial service yesterday for a lovely 73-year old lady, who died recently. She is missed by all, but we are so thankful she got baptized and is in the Lord’s presence now.
Have a beautiful day!
BC)
Thanks for the devotional today Lynne,
I have always wondered how the pastors can cope with the sadness they encounter with the many funerals they have to conduct. Your submission today gave me some insight on the matter.
Our church, by the way has recently dedicated a portion of the grounds for a garden of remembrance.
Blessings.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for the devotional. Truly Jesus is “a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys, — ” the Utmost in beauty of many kinds.
And I’m reminded today that He is the Creator and Giver of the glorious art in the flowers. And to top it off, I received an email with a picture of two young children with glorious blue eyes. I emailed back to the parents, “Those blue eyes are surely a gift of God’s art!”
Keep writing.
Dear Lynne;
Thank you for sharing your beautiful words.
Beautiful devotional by Lynne Phipps.