“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8
The dirt whirled around our car as we slowed to maneuver through a herd of Brahma cattle inching down the road. My mind wandered over the many highs and lows of our weeks-long travel, visiting projects back to back. We were anxious to get home, unpack and rest in our familiar bed; however, the herders seemed oblivious to us. I silently prayed that the Lord would part this sea of animals so we could pass. God had a better plan.
Flowers have always been a reminder of hope for me. They seem frail, yet they are overcomers, springing up amongst cement or being the only hint of life in a desert land. These delicate-looking plants remind me that through our Lord, we can continue on despite adverse trials. The Spirit of Prophecy gives another application to blossoms:
“God would have every soul plucking the roses and the lilies and the pinks, hanging memory’s hall with the precious promises of God blooming all over the garden of God. He would have us dwelling upon them, our senses sharp and clear, taking them in their full richness, talking of the joy that is set before us. He would have us living in the world, yet not of it, our affections taking hold of eternal things. He would have us talking of the things which He has prepared for those that love Him. This will attract our minds, awaken our hopes and expectations, and strengthen our souls to endure the conflicts and trials of this life. As we dwell on these scenes the Lord will encourage our faith and confidence. He will draw aside the veil and give us glimpses of the saints’ inheritance” (Selected Messages 3, pp. 163-164).
As we continued through the traffic of these unhurried and spindly-legged beasts, we felt the exhaustion taking over our brains and bodies. Then, all of a sudden, the entire herd veered right and went single file down a little path. Once the dust settled around us, a magnificent sight came into view. On the left side of the road was a field of blooming water lilies: pale pink and white blossoms in full bloom on an ocean of green. Arnold and I gasped as we sat there. The beauty was overwhelming and something we might have missed in our mad rush to get home. It was the perfect ending to this trying trip. What a blessing we received traveling at the speed of the locals.
To this day, no matter what country we work in, I look for the beauty of a budding flower to remind me to root God’s promises in my heart. Soon and very soon, we shall see our coming King! Until then, taste and see that the Lord is good by gathering the roses, lilies, and pinks from His garden and planting them in your heart.
