For a number of summers Dave and I drove from Montana to Iowa. On our return trip I loved driving through the miles of sunflower fields along I-90 in South Dakota.
The first couple of years we were on the road before sunrise and when we reached the fields they were still bent low. I remember the first year we came through after the sun had risen. The stems had strengthened and the blooms were facing the sun. It was glorious!
When we moved back to Arizona I planted some sunflowers in my garden. They were a living reminder that I should face the Son and bask in His light.
That’s the way that we grow in the Lord – we bask in the Son.
“Our Lord and our God, you are like the sun and also like a shield. You treat us with kindness and with honor, never denying any good thing to those who live right. 12 Lord God All Powerful, you bless everyone who trusts you.” Psalm 84:11-12 CEV
For years, I tried to be more like Christ; trying hard to do the right things, keeping my attitude in check, putting others first, etc. I wanted to make sure I was reading my Bible, attending church, tithing, serving. Did you notice it was all about me and what I was trying to do?
“Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen” II Peter 3:18 CEV
Our growth as Christians doesn’t come from our efforts any more than the sunflowers can control their reaction to the warmth of the sun. My works to be like Him are futile and unsustainable but His works in me produce the growth. Understanding His amazing grace lifts my head and my heart, making me more like Him.
“But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” Psalm 3:3 NLT
God’s grace covers me when I fall, picks me up, encourages me to keep going and not lose hope. When I began to realize what grace truly was my relationship with the Father and with Jesus began to grow.
Knowledge of His deep unconditional love brought me from a place of working for the Lord to letting Him work in and through me.
Each day I desire to bask in the Son and let His light change my life.