Song of Solomon 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 effect that 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.

Psalm 30:5b – Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (NIV)

I feel that these words, penned by David, sum up the song of their silent vigil as they grace our places of mourning.

When a loved one dies, something in each of us dies, 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 brokenhearted.

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: Christ, whose fragrance, love, beauty, and the splendour of Whose holiness have the power to change us:

Psalm 30:11-12 – You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. (NIV)

Yes, weeping may remain for a night, but with Christ beside us, rejoicing shall come in the morning.

Prayer: Father God, thank You 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.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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