Unfolding the Rose

"I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys." Song of Solomon 2:1

Unfolding the Rose

Here is a poem that has inspired, encouraged and strengthened my heart over the years, through some of the most painful and the most sorrowful moments of life to some of the happiest and best.

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God’s design,
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I,
The flower God opens so sweetly,
In my hands would fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God’s design,
Then how can I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I’ll trust Him for His leading
Each moment of every day
And I’ll look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

For the pathway that lies before me
My heavenly Father knows
I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments
Just as He unfolds the rose.

Author Unknown

This poem has been adapted by various religions and groups to speak of the intricate care of a mighty God.  As Christians, we are very aware that all of nature displays God’s incredible creative and sustaining power.  Many will speak with assurance of their strong belief that there is a God who created heaven and earth.  Fewer, however, will acknowledge that the God of creation is still at work in His world.  The numbers grow even smaller of those who believe that God is intimately involved with each one of His creation in guiding and guarding their ways.

Jesus pointed us to nature as He sought to turn us from worry.  God’s care of His world is evidence of His care for us according to Matthew 6:26-30. "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. "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

Take a look around today and see the hand of God in creation.  Then remember, He loves you more than all you see and will devote Himself to your care.

Scripture to Claim:

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:26-34