Prayers, Rainbows, Lilies
“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You.”
Psalm 39:7 (NLT)
I’ve been praying a lot lately. Not that prayer is new to me; it isn’t. But sometimes it seems like every breath is a prayer and, at times, the breathing can be labored. Deep inhales; even deeper exhales. I wonder when or if certain prayers will be answered. I know God is good. In my heart, I know He hears and answers prayers. In my head, at times, it feels as if these heartfelt prayers will never be answered. Then, guilt tries to step in.
I am blessed. I have a caring, loving family. Loving, supportive friends. All my needs are met in abundance. Good health, roof over my head, car with a full tank of gas, food in the refrigerator, plus lots of extras. For God’s gracious gifts, I am truly thankful. But my deepest prayers don’t involve “needs.” God has richly supplied all my needs. My deepest prayers involve “wants.”
I want consistency, predictability. I want my husband to remember what he shared with me. I want my daughter to meet and marry her God-ordained husband. I want my husband to walk our daughter down the aisle when God does send her husband. I want to kiss and snuggle with my, yet to be born, grandchildren. I want to share thoughts, stories, ideas, and other stuff waiting to come out. I want to know I will see my deepest hopes and dreams happen. I know everything will be okay if my wants never materialize. I know it; but I don’t always feel it.
Then, today, my sister, Arie, sent me a picture of beautiful yellow lilies growing in her yard in East Margaretsville, Nova Scotia (Canada). This is a God whisper. For weeks, they have had very wintry weather with rain and snow. Yet, despite the 
harsh weather, these lilies found a way to break through into an amazing show of beauty. Biblically, lilies represent rebirth and hope. Yellow signifies joy and the presence of God. Last week, Arie sent me a picture of a rainbow symbolizing hope. I know Arie has been experiencing her share of needs and wants. So, these are Arie’s God whispers. They speak to her on a very personal level. Whispers of rebirth, hope, joy, and the presence of God.
Arie’s sharing her pictures of the rainbow, the lilies represents my God whisper. Hope. Isn’t it amazing how God touches each of us in His own unique way? “Needs,” wants;” no judgement. Just love. Guilt slips away. God’s blessed assurance says everything will be all right.
“Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow…. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.”
(Matthew 6:28, 30)
Dear God, thank You for your blessings. Thank You for a caring, sharing sister, whose pictures of God’s magnificent handiwork remind me of Your promises. God, You have blessed me so abundantly. I have hope. God, bless my loved ones abundantly. Thank You! Amen, Amen, Amen.
All photos taken by Arie Chever-McBride, East Margaretsville, Nova Scotia
12 Comments
Kris
Well done Mary – that was lovely… wishing you and all the best – thank you for the lovely words and images. See ya soon 👍🏾😎
Mary Chever-Watson
Thanks for the kind words Kris. The best of the best also to you and yours. Be blessed. Love you!
Arie Chever McBride
Mary,Thank you so very much.As always I so enjoy your writing.Matthew 6:28 is one of my favorite verses….Seeing the rainbow and the lilies made me feel happy and warm all over they were truly my hugs from God..I knew immediately everything was going to be all right,a message you always told me as we ended many conversations over the years,and it always was, not always in the way I might have thought it would be,none the less exactly how our Heavenly Father knew it would…Our God is Awesome and Always knows what we need,even before we do….Thanks again Mary,for such a heartfelt message and for being such a loving and caring sister who is also my best friend…Hugs and Much Love Always💞
Mary Chever-Watson
Arie, you are very welcome. Your pictures were the inspiration for this post. So, thank you. We know that in all things God works together for our good. We may not recognize it at the time. But, eventually we discern that God was in the midst of our situations all along. Love you much, my sister.
Sharon Stewart
I will be praying with you for your”wants” to manifest and I know they will because God stated that He would give us the desires of our hearts and He is faithful to His Word!
Mary Chever-Watson
Sharon, thanks so much for your prayers. I receive your blessings. You are right; God is, indeed, faithful to His Word. Thank you so much for the reminder. Be blessed, Sharon.
Precious
Hi Mary, thank you so much for your encouraging & uplifting blogs! As I took a few moments to sit down & read this blog I began to thank God again for how he allows us to see his beauty & hear him speak to us through those pictures of the rainbow, lilies & even the snow. Thank you also Baby sister for those beautiful pictures. Where there’s no vision, the people perish( Proverbs 29:18). I will keep the vision before my face of not only God hearing our prayers but answering them.
Love you!
Mary Chever-Watson
Thank you so much Precious. So beautifully written. God is indeed in all situations; like you said, even in the cold, wintry seasons(snow). Love you much!
Cydell McGhie
Mary,
God used you and Arie to orchestrate His message through her pictures and your words to His people. Beautiful message.
For God is awesome and worthy to be praised!
Mary Chever-Watson
Dell, thank you so much. Yes, indeed, we serve an awesome God and He is worthy to be praised!
Donna Bonnell
Beautiful message, Mary!
I love you my forever friend.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Mary Chever-Watson
Donna, my dear friend, thank you so much. I, too, am looking forward to seeing you. Love you, too.