Remembering the Wildflowers

It is important to remember wildflowers on the hard days.

Wildflowers? With everything going on in the world? Why should we bother mentioning flowers?

And the answer is pretty simple: because the Bible does.

This year, it feels like tensions run high across the board. With an insufferable economy, wars happening across the globe, uncertainty coming from the White House, and a plethora of other issues, it is no wonder that Americans struggle with anxiety, depression, or mental health issues.

Recently, in a Gallup poll, the researcher found that “nearly half of all Americans, 49%, report frequently experiencing stress."

It’s undoubtedly true. Many Americans and brothers and sisters in Christ are constantly worried and stressed – myself included! Again, how could we not be with everything happening in the world? But in times like these, there is comfort knowing that these feelings and concerns are not new “under the sun.” People have worried since the dawn of creation.

For example, can you imagine the regret, fear, and worry that Adam and Eve felt hiding from God in the Garden of Eden after their disobedience? I sure can’t!

And what about Esther standing before the king? Joseph running from Potiphar’s wife? King David going into battle? Or Daniel in the lion’s den!

Time and time again throughout Scripture, we are given passages that mention how some of the Bible’s most famous characters were worried and stressed by their decisions or the events that were taking place in culture at that time. And while we may not have to worry about being tossed to a pack of hungry lions, the ungodliness in our culture does cause concern for the righteous.

How are we supposed to combat the culture with truth – and manage life in general?

One way we can accomplish this goal is by remembering the wildflowers.

In Matthew 6, we learn about wildflowers, which, I believe, can be used as a treatment option for our anxiety. For this passage, some Bibles use the header entitled “The Cure for Anxiety.” Verses 26-30 say:

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. (Emphasis added.)

I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the middle of fretting, this passage helps put my mind at ease. He cares for the birds and the flowers of the field. If this is true, how much more does He care for His children, the ones who are made in His image?

Abundantly more! 

If you find yourself stuck in a season filled with ups, downs, and worries, remember, you are not alone. And you are also not without hope. 

Take a quick glimpse at a wildflower, the birds of the air, or any other creation, and remember that you serve the God of the universe! He created every last inch of planet Earth and still cares for you. And if that’s how He takes care of creation, how capable is He to take care of our worries?

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).