Anxiety can stem from various aspects of our lives—be it concerns about current events, work, family, health issues, relationships, or finances. It’s not hard to find the roots of our racing thoughts.
Questions like “Will I get through this season?” or “Who can I truly rely on?” linger frequently.
Personally, I often find myself wide awake at 3 a.m., mentally churning through countless tasks, replaying past conversations, and trying to figure out solutions to the pressures in my family or job.
I can’t be the only one struggling for a moment of calm.
Some research shows that negative thinking can lead to surprising changes in the brain.
We all deal with anxious thoughts at times. Yet, as followers of Jesus, there’s a belief that we can find freedom from anxiety’s grasp.
In Luke 12:25-27, Jesus poses a thought-provoking question:
“Can any of you add an hour to your life by worrying? If you can’t even do this little thing, why worry about everything else? Look at how the flowers grow in the field; they don’t labor or spin. Yet, I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.”
The call to “consider the wildflowers” resonates with me. Perhaps it’s because the wildflowers in southwestern Colorado are just stunning during the summer.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time wandering through flower fields, engaging in conversations with God, which inspired me to craft a new dedication. Reading “The Path of Wildflowers,” I was struck by the thought that if God cares for wildflowers, surely He cares for me even more.
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Here are five tangible “wildflower principles” that I think can help us navigate life more lightly, even amidst challenges and the urge to spiral.
1. Wildflowers thrive on divine timing. They rely on God’s plan, rainfall, seasons, and their ecosystems. Without the aid of landscapers or fertilizers, they still bloom. By embracing this perspective—it allows us to release our need for a specific story or situation and trust in the God who made us.
2. Wildflowers embody freedom. They don’t carry the burdens of anxiety, past regrets, or fears of the future. They thrive where God has placed them, donning the glory He gives. Recognizing this image of wildflowers can teach us to let go of unnecessary worries.
3. Wildflowers display resilience. They can grow in the most unexpected places—barren fields or rocky mountainsides. They often flourish even in what many would see as adverse conditions. Following this wildflower mindset, we don’t need to depend purely on our strength; our resilience is a gift from God.
4. Wildflowers remind us to slow down. While not actively growing, they are in a dormant phase—not dead, but resting. This serves as a reminder that they don’t rush into new seasons or force their blooming. Embracing this phase encourages us to seek God’s timing for our lives.
5. Wildflowers are cherished. I often marvel at the intricate beauty that God places in each wildflower, designed for His joy, regardless of whether they get attention. Each flower is unique, with distinctive traits that reflect God’s care. Remembering this can help us recognize our own worth in His eyes.
In a society that promotes independence and quick fixes, living like a wildflower may seem unconventional—but it’s certainly achievable.
So, the next time you find yourself awake at night, think of wildflowers and place your worries with the God who created you and promised always to watch over you.
