Lessons From The Lily Pad

And yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 6:29

Last weekend, me and a few family members had the blessing of a short staycation at my daughter's and her husband's spa nature retreat center.

It's been a super busy season, and at times rather stressful, so a getaway, no matter how brief, is just “what the doctor ordered”.  Breathing in the fresh air, relaxing, spending quality time with family, and taking in all the goodness of the land and water was the perfect prescription, and it did my body, heart, mind, and spirit so so good.

Now my goal was just to lie back and relax. Rest. Absorb the calm, beauty, sights, and sounds of the outdoors. Many family members kayaked. Some road on the golf cart to tour and take in all the perks that nature had to offer.

Others enjoyed the barrel sauna and hot tub. Me? I’m all for walks, trails, sunrises, sunsets, and still waters.

Still waters are a wellspring of tranquility, rest, and reflection, so just know that your girl was eager to get near the lake.

Early in the day, I took a walk along the lake and ended up at the end of the dock, gazing at the water. Immediately, my eyes took notice and were drawn to the lily pads.

The vibrant green lily pads were sun-kissed and arrayed with beautiful flowers that rested right on top of them. The lily pads appeared to be floating so effortlessly, so still, on the top of the water.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

After doing some research, I learned that lily pads prefer still waters. Away from turbulence, fountains, and pumps. Like the lily pad, I’m sure we all prefer still waters as well.

Life is sure to have turbulence from time to time, but we have the assurance that the Lord our Shepherd is faithful to make us to lie down in green pastures. Lead us beside the still waters and restore our souls.

Later on that evening, after things were winding down, I strolled back over to the dock to look out on the water. Breathe in the sweet night air and admire the lily pads once again. To my surprise, there was not a flower in sight. I saw the green pads glistening, but what happened to the flowers? I asked my son- in- law, “Where did the flowers go?” He informed me that the flowers close up at night.

I was amazed and in awe of God’s immense creativity, massive detail, incredible synchronization, and majesty. I was overflowing with reverence, astonishment, and wonder.

As I walked away from the dock that night, I thought to myself, 'This is a teachable moment.' An object lesson. I was certain that there were lessons to be learned from the lily pad.

God’s creation is certainly a world filled with classrooms with divine lessons that stretch through to eternity, and creation is one way that I enjoy learning.

I tell you, I can sit in God's "classroom" and learn without getting bored or even fidgety. In nature, the Creator and His creation have my full undivided attention.

It’s in my heart to share with you just a few lessons that I gleaned from the lily pad in hopes of spurring your faith and encouraging your heart. A lily pad? Who knew? Let's go!

The first lesson that comes to mind, and so touched my heart, was how the flower reopened every morning. This daybreak reblooming is reminiscent of how God so graciously blesses us with fresh mercies every morning.

I don’t know about you, but for the most part, no matter what I may go through in life, things just feel a bit better in the morning.

Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 

The water lily rises every morning and declares and radiates God’s glory. How much more should we give Him glory due to His Name.

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:2

On the surface, it appears as if the vibrant green lily pads are resting, floating even, right on top of the water, but beneath the surface, they are deeply rooted, anchored, and connected to a stem on the bottom of the pond.

This is the heartbeat of Colossians 2:7

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

When we are rooted in God's written Word. Anchored in Jesus the Living Word, faith will flourish. Strength will bloom. Thankfulness with overflow.

The words of Jesus in the gospel of John 15:5, 9 call attention to this as well.

"I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love."

If God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t He more surely care for you? Matthew 6:30

Interestingly enough, the area of water that lily pads grow in is murky and muddy. When you think about it, such is life when you're in a trial that tests your faith. Murky, that sometimes you can’t see your way through. Muddy, trying not to get stuck in the hard places.

But it’s in the murk that we grow, mature, and gain strength, much like the lily pad. And I hear that they are really tough, so tough that when you cut them away, they multiply and grow back even stronger.

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. John 15:2

Truth be told, it's mostly in the murk, the trials and tribulations, that we grow and produce endurance and perseverance. The murk and mud of trials are highly effective tools that God uses to grow us up into Christlikeness.

When we're going through the rivers of difficulty, being shaped and molded into the image of Christ it may feel like we're stuck in the mud, but we must remind ourselves that all things, good, bad or indifferent that God allows are indeed working for our good because we love God, and are called according to His purpose to make us look like Jesus. To grow His attributes in us.

Dear friend, won't you incline your ear to hear the Word of the Lord from one of my life verses that still causes my heart to burst with thanksgiving, gratitude and joy because:

He lifted me out of the horrible pit, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet upon a rock and established my steps. Psalm 40:2

Hallelujah! Thanks be to God!

I’m still spilling over in amazement regarding the flowers closing up at night. This is a great template for us to follow. To close up shop at night. Close the shades. Close the computer. Close the phone. Close the overthinking of the mind. Close in with Abba Father. Retreat from the cares of life and find rest under the shadow of the Almighty.

Lastly, I took notice of how the lily pads were closely clustered together. Not spread out all willy nilly. After doing some delving, I discovered that being closely fit together is their growth pattern. How they flourish. Comparatively, like the design God has for the Body of Christ to be fit together, thrive, and grow. Wow. Just... wow.......

Well, friends, this concludes my "little" lesson learned from the lily pad. I hope that you were encouraged in some way.

God of all creation is marvelous, strategic, and purposeful in all that He does. The heavens declare His glory, and the sky displays His handiwork. Yet eye has not seen, ear has not heard nor have entered in the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him.

For me, I'm learning more and more that there is significance in what may seem to be insignificant, and you just might miss it if you aren't intentionally taking the needful pauses. Intermissions to slow down, not just to smell the roses but to look, glean, gaze, and learn from the lily pads.

Morning by morning new mercies I see.......

 If you were blessed by this post subscribe or share to encourage others!

Link to Ujima Retreat Center in Urbana, Illinois https://www.ujimaretreatcenter.com/

© Prayer Matters Ministries