Lily of the Valley

The name "Lily of the Valley" is used in some English translations of the Bible in Matthew 6:28 and Song of Songs 2:1, although whether or not the Hebrew word "shoshana" (usually denoting a rose) originally used there refers to this species is uncertain. The meaning of this flower is "You will find Happiness."

And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. Matthew 6:28-33 (NLT)

Young Man: "How beautiful you are, my beloved, how beautiful! Your eyes are soft like doves."

Young Woman: "I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley."

Young Man: "Yes, compared to other women, my beloved is like a lily among thorns." (Song of Songs 1:15; 2:1-2)

About 4 years ago, I went on a women's retreat and one of the exercises they had us do was to ask God if he had a special name for us. I quickly heard the word "Lily". I wasn't sure where it was but I looked it up and found it in two places, in Solomon 2:1 and in the verse listed above. So as I read the verses in Matthew this morning, God took me back to that retreat and reminded me He had given me that name.

As I did research on the lily of the valley, I found that it was a common flower in the regions that it is grown in. It would be similiar to the beautiful wildflowers that you see in the spring as you drive down the highway, like a bluebonnet. Simple, common, yet stunning. The meaning of the name of the flower is "You will find happiness." (Wikopedia)

Well happiness I did find this morning in my quiet time. God spoke deeply & personally to me about this simple flower through these scriptures.

The first thing "aha" I had this morning was from the Song of Solomon verse. In the dialogue between a woman and her lover, the lover is telling her how beautiful and meaniful she is to him. But her response back could be interpreted as a brush off of the compliment. By stating she was a lily of the valley, she was stating that she was but a common girl, nothing special to deserve the love of such a man. But his response back was, to tell her she was a beautiful flower among the thorns!

How often do I tell God that I don't deserve his love? I think myself to be a simple, messed up person who believes deep down I don't really have this unwaivering, passionate love of the king. Well, I experienced that love supernaturally this morning. What a gift.

Then as I turned to the Matthew verses God brought to mind more of a reminder rather than "ahas". I've struggled, as many women have, with weight issues the majority of my life. I know the Matthew verse really speaks to God's provision, but ultimately, the issues of our eating comes from a basic lack of trusting God. We turn to shopping or food or sex or alcohol (the list is endless of our idols) and surrendering our fears, control, thoughts and emotions instead of turning to the God who is more than able to provide for us, protect us and cherish us. Now I understand that my body is a temple and that I need to care for it, which He will show me how to do. But He reminded me that I am a lily. I am beautiful. And if I focus on the kingdom, take the steps to treat my body well, then my happiness, joy and peace will come from Him, not the scale.

I've also been prone over these last months to allow my fear level to rise or decreased based on the status of the stock market that day. Trusting the signs of the economy is a bit like building your house on sand vs. the rock. God just reminded me again, I am a lily. A flower that thrives and flourishes with or without the aid of man, because it is cared for by the master gardener.

I've been recently thinking about getting a tatoo. Lily of the Valley, might just be it.