IS THE LORD THE SONSHINE OF YOUR LIFE?

Every time we delight in a spring wildflower, we can think about our Lord, who is our son-shine, who waters us and helps us grow to spiritual maturity and ultimately draw others to Him.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES        by Sally Bair

Sonshine

May flowers are covering our north woods everywhere. They seem to begin from nothing, working their way upward through the soil, bringing forth little buds that unfold each day until a flower emerges. They release their sweet scent and give beauty to the earth and all that is in it.

Their varieties are endless. We revel in the beauty of daffodils, tulips, and violets. Soon the trilliums will flood the roadsides, to be followed by wild roses, lilacs, and lilies. Within all those species are a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes.

How lovely and magical our world becomes when the flowers arrive in springtime. And how blessed we are that God provides flowers for us throughout the summer and fall, too.

Wildflowers need little or no care, but domestic plants must be nurtured to grow to their maturity. We must make sure their soil is good, they receive enough moisture, and they are given enough light. Even the plants that thrive best in shade must have some sunlight.

We're like flowers, too, in that we have certain needs in order to grow. Plenty of food, water, and fresh air help us mature physically. Love and acceptance bring us to emotional and relational maturity. And our spirits will grow only through the food of God's Word and the refreshment of His Holy Spirit. Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life and the Living Water. He also is referred to as the Light of the World—what we can call Sonshine.

When we allow Him to help us grow to spiritual maturity, it will affect every part of our lives. We will be like a flower, unfolding from a tiny bud into a beautiful bloom that brings the   fragrance and beauty of peace and joy to those around us. Like a sweet smelling rose, we will draw others to God through us. We should all strive to "blossom like the lily," as spoken of in Hosea 14:5.

“I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.” (Psalm 119:16)

Lord, give us the desire to become the beautiful, fragrant flowers You want us to be. Help us to grow through Your life-giving Word—to take the time to read it, to study and meditate on it, and to apply its truth to our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.