A Lesson from Sunflowers: Trust in Christ
I went to see the sunflowers at my favorite park the other day, and I noticed that the sunflowers that got the most sunshine bloomed first. In the entire field, these flowers were the first ones to bloom and display their pretty yellow petals. I also noticed that the sunflowers were not “toiling and spinning,” (Matthew 6:28 - English Standard Version) wondering who would water them. They just stood still and soaked up the rays from the sunshine. All the sunflowers faced the sun (the smart farmer planted them in the middle of the field so they could receive the most sunshine!). I saw big blooms, smaller ones, and some that were about to bloom! The sunflowers need the “sun” in order to grow bigger, stronger/taller, and to thrive in the field. We, as believers, need the “Son” for the same reasons. God, like that farmer, has placed or “planted” each one of us in a specific area/location or “field” for this very reason (Colossians 2:7, 2 Peter 3:18, Proverbs 16:9).
This Biblical principle is the very thing I have been personally wrestling with the past year. It seems like my life has gotten worse in general/in all areas. In other words, I do not feel like I am “thriving,” and I cannot fully understand why I am still in the current season that I am in. I sometimes get frustrated, anxious or impatient because I cannot see everything (i.e., all the “big” blooms) that He is doing in my life. I am grateful for the times when I notice His handiwork or I see a few “little” blossoms, but overall, it is still hard for me because I know I have yet to arrive at the next season in my life. It seems like I always have a mountain of questions for God: What is going to happen next? What are all the things I should be doing now?, etc. These questions sometimes come with anxiety, frustration, impatience or doubt. I do not know what this next season will look like for me and how much longer I will be in this current one, but I know how I will reach that next season.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, “For we live by believing and not by seeing” (2 Corinthians 5:7 - New Living Translation). Essentially, this is the definition of “faith” in God. I have had to remind myself over and over again (and the LORD has graciously done the same thing to me) that I must “not depend on my own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 - New Living Translation). Instead, I must “trust in the LORD with all my heart…” (Proverbs 3:5 - New Living Translation). Practically speaking, this means that I should not spend my time and energy “toiling and spinning” (Matthew 6:28 - English Standard Version). In other words, I have wasted lots of time trying to figure out everything that God is doing in my life, which is my poor attempt to try to see all the “big blossoms.” Instead, I should seek Him more, grow my relationship with Him and stay busy doing the things He has already called me to do. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33 - New Living Translation). This verse clearly states that there is no need for me to be anxious about anything in my life because He will give me everything that I need. This does not mean that all my questions about my own life will be answered, but it does mean that I must graciously accept my small amount of understanding (i.e., the “small” blossoms).
Do you want to “thrive” where God has placed you? Do you sometimes get anxious or worried? In what area(s) of your life are you struggling to trust God? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then I recommend spending time with Him each day, intentionally setting aside time for Bible reading, worship and prayer. I also recommend writing down what you’re struggling with in a prayer journal or notebook and then finding Scripture that will encourage you. I have learned over the years that the more time I spend in God’s Word, the better I know Christ. As a daughter of the King, I need Him just like the sunflowers need the sunshine. Why would you not want to rest in God’s presence, “soaking” up His goodness? When I remember that He has my entire life in His care (Matthew 6:33) and when I decide to trust Him even when I don’t see the “big” blooms in my life (Proverbs 3:5), anxiety, impatience and doubt goes away. In other words, this is how you can spiritually “thrive” in the field God has placed or “planted” you in. And friends, this is so much better than “toiling or spinning” (Matthew 6:28 - English Standard Version)
About the Author
My name is Allie and I am twenty-eight years old. I am from Knoxville, Tennessee, and currently, I still live in Knoxville, Tennessee (GO VOLS!). I graduated from Lee University in 2020, and since then, I have spent most of my time in the workforce. One of my professional goals right now is to start my own business, and I enjoy making watercolor paintings and designs! In my spare time, I also work on my calligraphy skills with fun pens and markers. Additionally, I like to travel and spend time in local coffee shops (pumpkin spice lattes are my favorite!).