God Makes The Roses Grow

There are so many things which we enjoy, but what do we truly and deeply desire? So often it is easy to lose ourselves in the things of life that we don’t stop to consider that which might be more important. While there is nothing inherently wrong with enjoyment, enjoyment at the expense of thoughtful consideration often leads to what we might call foolishness, folly, or even waste.

At the same time there are those whose desires are so strong and drive them so thoroughly that they allow no time or sense of enjoyment now because what they have to do is so important that they can’t let up. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” We can substitute other things in the place of “money” whether they be success, recognition, position, or approval. But being driven for something so strongly that it brings about your loss of focus on God and your connection to others is very destructive.

God’s plan is different and it is found in aligning ourselves with Him and His desires for us. As we do this we will find that He fulfills the desires of our hearts and brings joy and blessing along the way. In Proverbs 3:5-8 we read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones." In Psalms 37:4-5 we read, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Scripture is overflowing with words from God telling us that the real way to find joy and fulfillment in life is to thoughtfully spend time with Him aligning our desires with His and then stepping out and trusting Him to do what He fully intends.

Living this way does not mean that everything in life will be problem free or that your portfolio will be overflowing with riches. The reality is that Scripture says the contrary, but it does mean that even in the midst of the strongest storm as in those moments of greatest joy we can know His joy and experience His peace and even satisfaction in seeing Him work.

Take time to smell the roses knowing that everything that makes it possible for the rose to exist and grow and our ability to live and even smell and visually enjoy is a gift from God. As we count the petals take time to thank Him as you recount your many blessings.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (6/6)

Seek My face, and you will find fulfillment in your deepest longings. My world is filled with beautiful things; they are meant to be pointers to Me, reminders of My abiding Presence. The earth still declares My Glory to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear.

You had a darkened mind before you sought Me wholeheartedly. I chose to pour My Light into you, so that you can be a beacon to others. There is no room for pride in this position. Your part is to reflect My Glory. I am the Lord!

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2

See, darkness covers the earth and the darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Isaiah 60:2