Song of Songs 2:1 “I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” NIV

During my years as a pastor I did many funerals and one thing which always struck me amidst the grief of the situation was the flowers and the affect they had upon the mourners. The beauty of the floral arrangements dried the tears of sorrow, if only for a moment or two as people gravitated toward the displays. Conversations swayed away from despair and hopelessness as family members admired the various hues, blooms and scents. Each arrangement no matter how simple, much like the beacon of a lighthouse radiated hope amidst the storm of death. Their simplicity, their fragility, their strength, their intricacy, their vibrancy, their beauty, their fragrance, their uniqueness spoke volumes without ever uttering a word.

I feel that the words of David as penned in Psalm 30:5, weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning, sums up the song of their silent vigil as they grace our places of mourning.

When a loved one dies, something in each of us does too. Death brings change, never again will we be quite the same as we were before its’ entrance. Yet this change does not mean that life will never again be good, wonderful, fragrant or full of hopes and dreams for the future, for God is merciful, faithful and compassionate, he cares for those who mourn and heals the broken hearted.

If your heart is heavy this day due to the death of a dream, a hope, a loved one, look to the glory of the flowers and let them point you to the most wondrous bloom of all, the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valley and the splendour of His holiness; Christ whose fragrance, love and beauty have the power to turn your wailing into dancing, and your mourning clothes into garments of joy that your heart may once again sing to Him and not be silent . Yes, weeping may remain for a night, but with Christ beside you, rejoicing shall come in the morning.

Prayer: Father God thank for the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valley, your Son, Jesus Christ. May the splendour of His holiness and the fragrance and beauty of His love radiate within our lives this day that our hearts might sing to Him forever and not be silent. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC