A flower's aesthetic beauty is attractive to people and animals. Yet, there is more to a flower than what meets the eye. The Bible has a lot to say about flowers; for example, the pillars of King Solomon's temple were capped by lilies (I Kings 7:22) and apothecaries used the essential oils of flowers for anointing oils and aromatic purposes in the temple (Exodus 30, Exodus 37).
Did you know that flowers represent strength, friendship, affection, life, freedom, innocence, and resurrection? They are an illustration of God's love and grace towards us. Scripture also points out the futility of human worry and anxiety by illustrating how God cares for the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28). God, in all his beauty and glory, said he would never leave us or forsake us (Psalm 37:25). Even when we stray and do what is wrong in God's eyes, when we repent and come back to him--he restores us. He is ever merciful. What a blessed assurance to know that the same God who is caring for the inanimate flower with so great love, compassion, and attention is caring for each and every one of us with the same regard!
It's prudent to remember that just like the flower, we are all uniquely made and arrayed in God's beauty (Psalm 139:14). We are created to flourish and grow (Psalm 92:12) and to be fruitful and productive (Genesis 49:22) without limitations and boundaries.
Decrees for Spiritual Growth
Make these declarations aloud:
Father God, in the name of Jesus, I decree and declare:
- All limitations and restrictions (including worry, doubt, and anxiety) are lifted off me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
- My light has come. It will not diminish or go out (Isaiah 60:1)
- I am creative, imaginative, innovative, forward thinking and industrious because I have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16)
- I am growing in grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)
- I am a fruitful bough by a well; my branches run over a wall (Genesis 49:22)
- I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever (Psalm 52:8)
- I am righteous, flourishing like a palm tree; growing like a cedar in Lebanon (Psalm 92:12)
***Shared in collaboration with Patricia Marriott***
