Where the Lilies Grow

Joan Buchanan

Proverbs 15:23 "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it"!

As a young woman in my early twenties, I had been told some very devastating news about one of my family members. It didn’t seem fair to me at the time. It was a very difficult test, and honestly, I did not know how I was going to get through it. I begged God to show me what to do, and how to glorify Him as I walked it out.

One day as I was talking to my aunt, trying to put into perspective the pain and the hurt I was going through, I said to her, "It feels like I am in a valley, and how will I ever get out of it? Will I ever reach the top of the mountain?" She then said to me, "Joan, It is in the valley where the Lilies grow." My aunt blessed me so much just by speaking a few words of encouragement to me, just when God knew I needed it. I have never forgotten how her sweet voice comforted my spirit that day. He always knows just the right person to send in our path to give a timely word in due season.

Now, years later I can see the hand of God in every phase of that trial. There have been many challenges since, but it has helped me to pass through difficult waters knowing that God is with me all the way. I recognize that all my troubles, discouragements, and heartaches are, in truth, great opportunities in disguise.

So, God, help me to live life to the fullest, for I know that this life you have given me has purpose and significance. I know that if I surrender to you, you will carry me all the way to the top of my mountain.

Remember today that to touch someone else does not have to be with volumes of words. Just a touch, a look, a short word or a kind deed is all that someone might need from you at that very moment.

Be kind today, and please don't lay your head on your pillow tonight until you have touched the life of someone who needs an act of kindness.

Above all, love God and obey Him!

It's In the Valley That I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
and never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
and my growth is very slow,
sometimes I need the mountain tops,
but it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
why things happen as they do,
but I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
when I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
when I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
that it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
and use my life each day
to share your love with others
and help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The Mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

Written by Jane Eggelston of Williamsburg, VA