Lily of my Valley

Do you know that your way is not hidden from the Lord? At times it can surely feel that it IS hidden from His sight. Have you ever felt that way? Do you know that He can spread the fragrance of Christ in the midst of the deepest, darkest valley of your life?

The God Who Sees Me

Sometimes it's encouraging to know that even those mentioned in the Bible didn't always get it right, and yet God remained faithful and gracious. The stories recounted in scripture are so similar to our own sometimes that it can be both comforting and frightening all at once!

A passage in Genesis 16:1-13 that talks about Hagar (the slave of Sarai, Abram's wife through whom Ishmael was later to be born), tells of the time when Hagar was running away because Sarai was mistreating her (due to Abram's and Sarai's trying to use Hagar to bear a child for Abram, and Sarai's resulting angst toward her). The angel of the LORD met Hagar in her time of need and despair and told her to go back, letting her know of the son she would bear and the future generations that would result. In verse 13, she calls the LORD, "the God who sees me".

It's remarkable that God remains faithful and responsive, even to the woman who would bear Abram a son who was NOT the child of the promise (Galatians 4:28).

After Ishmael grew up, and Sarah had her own child (Isaac), Sarah had Hagar and Ishmael sent out into the desert (Genesis 21:9-19). God was again faithful in their time of despair, encouraging Hagar and opening her eyes to see a well of water, which provided for their needs, in verse 19.

Sometimes, in our spiritual lives, we can feel like Hagar did, out in the desert of life, running away or being banished either because of our own failure, things that others have done to us, or just overwhelming sorrow, grief, loss or frustration. We search for spiritual water, but remain parched. From my experience, it seems to often be in those times that the Lord shows up, spreading the fragrance of Life in the midst of the gloom, and uncovering a well-spring that refreshes our weary soul and encourages us not to give up.

Valleys and Deserts

The Way of Life seems to lead through some pretty treacherous and desolate territory at times. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul speaks beautifully and poetically about the way that the Lord guided him in following His will, and the road on which Paul travelled was not one that most of us would call "easy". He uses imagery that I believe comes from instances when conquerors in historic times in that part of the world would lead their prisoners behind them, with an incense fragrance (or something similar) lingering in the air as they were led forth as captives. I'm no expert in that kind of historic reference, so take that with a grain of salt, but that's the perspective from which I'm reading this passage:

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?"

Interesting that the same fragrance can be perceived in the exact opposite way. The walk of a Christian is in so many ways full of abundant life and vitality. At the same time, we are continually laying down our lives that we might gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). It's all a great mystery, from my perspective at least. Paul often uses imagery associated with being imprisoned, probably because he often WAS a physical prisoner. Yet he considered himself (and other believers) to be FREE from sin, yet willingly like "love-slaves" to Christ in many ways, deliberately CHOOSING to follow after Him, not being forced or coerced. (Romans 6:18)

Paul seemed to grasp the mystery of the Christian walk so fully, as he went forward, laying down his life continually for the building up of the Church. Surely, he had been given great insight into who Jesus was/is, and in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, he discusses the method that was used to keep him from becoming conceited due to having had such great revelations. It was what he called his "thorn in the flesh". He never identified what the specific thorn was, and it's probably good that he didn't. Since he referenced it in more generic terms, it's easy for us to look at the troubling and painful parts of our lives in a similar way. What Jesus said to him, in verse 9 is that Jesus' power was made perfect in Paul's weakness. So that caused Paul to BOAST in his weaknesses, and to delight in those weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties. It is when we are at our weakest, darkest moments and most dependent on Him, that His true Holy Spirit power will show up most notably for us.

Paul, the other apostles and so many believers to this day have learned through rejoicing in their sufferings that the Lord showed up in those moments, having ultimately conquered it all. That holy power is rarely noticeable to us when we are going through those dark nights of the soul. Yet it may be VERY visible to those around us who see the strength that Jesus provides in the midst of such trials. The fragrance of Christ sometimes becomes evident to those in our midst as we, His children, are pressed and squeezed by the trials of life, as the heat is turned up, yet we stand firm in Him, trusting Him to sustain us and bring us through each challenge.

Lily of My Valley

My mother's favorite perfume fragrance is Lily of the Valley. I remember as a child she used to wear a French version, which was probably "Muguet de Bois" (certainly something similar to that name). It's so interesting that when someone wears a certain type of perfume routinely, that simple scent will bring them to your remembrance the moment you catch the smallest whiff. Once, while grocery shopping, I smelled the exact fragrance that a friend of mine wears, and I thought for SURE she was in the store. It must have been someone wearing that same perfume. Oh, what a blessing it would be for us to "wear" the fragrance of Christ so well that those around us would be utterly convinced that He were in the room with them as they interacted with us.

While growing up, we had Lily of the Valley in our garden, and to this day, I have a lot of it growing in our garden as well. Each spring, right as the Lilacs bloom, these little lilies also send forth their aroma. Those two fragrances are incredibly beautiful, and for that short period when they are in bloom, their scent fills the air with their sweet perfume. The Lilacs are colorful and flashy. Regular lilies are also extravagant, beautiful and flashy. (I'll put some beautiful pictures I've taken recently of a few varieties below.) But the Lily of the Valley is small, unassuming and hidden in many ways, growing in the shade garden where most other plants will not flower. It's a sweet little surprise in the middle of the shadows of life.

One of my songs that is a favorite of many (which is this week's featured song played at the end of the associated podcast, linked in the description) is called "Lily of the Valley". I shared it in this past month's in-home concert livestream. Lord willing, I'll be posting that song as a stand-alone video from that concert, and will link to it in the comments or description section as well. As you listen to the song, I pray that the words will move your heart, and that you will sense His presence around and within you, the way that a sweet fragrance surprises you when you least expect it. May these lyrics resound to you: "Your fragrance fills the Valley of the Shadow. The aroma fills my heart. You refresh me as You lead me through the Valley. And You're blooming in the dark."

The God of all Comfort

This song is one of those that came from some difficult and dark moments in my own life. I mention a little of it when introducing the song in the video, about an early loss in my life, when our father left us. I spoke of my mother giving guitars to her three oldest daughters to help comfort us, and what an impact that had on me personally, with the guitar becoming such a vital part of my livelihood and ministry. Another part of that story that I didn't mention is what a huge SACRIFICE that was for my mother. Being divorced and caring for six children, she did not have extra cash available to make such purchases. Yet, she gave out of her lack, to fill our spiritual need nonetheless. Even then, due to her willingness, the Lord used her to accomplish His merciful will.

I have shared some of the other sorrows in my life in past blog entries, videos and/or writings. I'll try to link to some in the comments or description if you want to explore further the specific struggles that the Lord has personally used to shape and sculpt my own heart.

Just as Paul didn't identify his specific "thorn" though, it's perhaps even more vital to express simply that it was through various experiences of loss, sorrow, disappointment, grief, etc. that the Lord has fashioned the heart that now hopefully reflects more of His own character. Those difficult times have developed within me more compassion toward others going through similar things, and a resulting desire to reach out with Jesus' healing touch. Just as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7....

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."

And one of the most comforting things for me personally is realizing that the songs that were born out of those difficult seasons are often those that resonate most deeply with others.... Because we ALL have pain and sorrow at some point or other, whether we know Jesus yet or not. He can use that identification with our struggle to draw hearts that are otherwise oblivious to Him. It's similar to the way He drew us in the first place, by IDENTIFYING with us in our humanity as it says in Hebrews 2:14-18.

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

This Present Darkness

These past few years have been SO full of challenge and sorrow for so many, and likely for MOST or even ALL of us in one way or another. It can feel quite overwhelming. Yet, we press on, trusting in Jesus through it all. My heart goes out not only to members of my own family who have ongoing struggles, but also to so many of my friends and people from our church and larger community. Really, the corruption and mismanagement of so many factors of society have caused massive suffering throughout not only our country, but indeed the world. I am so grateful our loving God is also just, and He sees it ALL, and will ultimately bring the forces responsible to account. Praise God for the comfort that He provides, knowing that I can cast all those burdens at the feet of Jesus, and that none of it is lost to Him. He is at work, and we as His body can reach out, pray, help, comfort and encourage those in our personal orbit, being His "hands and feet".

As I mentioned in the in-home concert, there is a particular family that has been on my heart so deeply, since they lost their little daughter to an unexpected accident several weeks ago. I suppose that struck a chord with me, since some of those sorrows in my own heart mentioned above were due to accidents that caused similar losses in our family. What has resounded within my heart has been the fact that in looking back on it all, I see how the Lord used those pivotal and painful moments to form a heart of ministry in some very profound and enduring ways. My prayer is for this family, that the Lord will work deeply in their hearts to do that very same thing, in unique and mysterious ways for them. And also for YOU, dear reader. Whatever you are enduring right now, or if this has brought up memories of your own challenges or grief, please consider that our Lord may be using those very things to create in you a heart like His own. One that is compassionate, supportive and understanding to the pain of those around you. One that is less focused on its own pain, but rather on reaching out to bring healing and hope to others experiencing similar sorrow.

We can respond to our times of testing in a couple of ways. We can harden our hearts in discouragement and unforgiveness, becoming bitter toward God and our fellow man. Or, we can have a soft heart, submitting to God's more perfect will, being changed to the core, with new tenderness and mercy flowing over to help those hurting in our midst.

So, if you (or a loved one) are experiencing a form of crushing, where the heat has been turned up HIGH in the spiritual realms; if you've been thinking that your way is hidden from God; if you feel like you have been banished or abandoned to a dry and weary land, with no hope of water in sight; if you are walking through a deep and dark valley, maybe even the "Valley of the Shadow of Death" in some ways; I urge you to look up to the Holy One, and breathe in deeply, for you might have the amazing blessing of finding Him right HERE in the middle of that darkness. You might sense a fragrance you've never known before, yet somehow you DO recognize it, because it's the fragrance and aroma of Christ. And incredibly enough, that fragrance is emanating from YOU, the one who is being crushed by the Master's hand, to bring forth that healing scent to flow into the life of the one next to you.

In the stillness, I ask you, do you sense Him? Oh, what an incredible fragrance of Life. Let Him show you the Water of Life in this desert, for it is surely there, and He will sustain you with Living Water that is the best water you've ever tasted. He will bring you out of this deep, dark and gloomy valley into His glorious Light, sustaining you with the fragrance of His very self throughout this current season, all in His perfect way and timing. God bless you, my friend.

Lisa Prokopowitz is a Christian Singer/Songwriter, Podcaster and Blogger who seeks to lift up the name of Jesus and draw hungry hearts unto Him.

This blog post is from the "Manna From My Father's Hand" Blog, and can be found at https://manna.shiningriver.com/lily

This article/blog is also associated with a Podcast that can be found here:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shining-river9

You may listen and/or download Lily of the Valley at the following link:

https://lisaprokopowitz.bandcamp.com/track/lily-of-the-valley