Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest place in North America. You would think nothing would have a chance to bloom in these harsh conditions, but some of the most beautiful wildflowers can be seen there. Some years there might just be a few, but about once a decade the blooms will be overflowing. For this to happen the wildflowers need significant nourishment from the rainfall, plenty of warmth from the sun, and an absence of drying wind. If these needs are not provided, the wildflower will remain dormant as seeds. The definition of dormant is to be alive, but not actively growing. Are we physically alive, but not growing spiritually?
To help us grow spiritually we need to seek nourishment from God’s word. Psalm 119:97 states, “O how I love Your law! It is my mediation all the day.” Just like the wildflowers need well-spaced rainfall, we need to study God’s word daily. By doing this we can hide it or treasure it in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), which will equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By memorizing God’s word, we have it quickly available to help us escape sin and remain pure (Psalm 119:9).
Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” This light, God’s word, will help us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10). In John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” Wildflowers need the sun’s light, just as we need The Light to help us thrive.
Protection from the “winds” in our life is promised from God. Psalm 119:114 states, “You are my hiding place and my shield…” Jesus cares so much for us that we can hand our anxieties over to Him (1 Peter 5:7), and He will strengthen and help us (Isaiah 41:10). The wildflowers are strengthened when the drying winds are not present. God strengthens and protects us from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Bloom means to come into or be in full beauty or health. Are we blooming OR are we struggling to stay alive spiritually? We will flourish IF we provide ourselves with the nourishment of God’s word, seek The Light that helps us to overcome darkness, and remember that God is with us (Matthew 1:23). Let’s make up our minds to bloom!
Renee Hunter
Scripture taken from NASB (2012)