IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF IT
“As the lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.” Song of Solomon 2:2 KJV
In the eyes of the Bridegroom, His beloved is not merely one among many—she is a lily among thorns.
She stands sharp in contrast of her surroundings: soft in spirit where the world is harsh, pure where others are tangled in corruption, and fragrant with grace in a dry and thorny land. The world’s values, its pride, its hostility toward the things of God are felt by the children of God in a profound way; yet in the midst of it, God has a people who bear His image, clothed in the beauty of holiness, sanctified and set apart.
Like lilies that do not strive to be seen but naturally draw the gaze of the passerby, so too is the Bride of Christ—chosen, cherished, and different not by her own effort, but by the work of grace. Lillies are fragile and precious yet able to grow in the midst of thorn bushes, inevitably drawing attention, which is how radiant a believer that bears fruit especially through hardship stands out. Such is the sight of our Groom, Christ.
Child of God, in every season where you feel pressed by the thorns of life, whether persecution, worldly temptations, or the aches of living set apart—remember this: He sees you. And in His eyes, you are the lily.
You do not blend in because you were never meant to.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You have set Your love upon us because of Your great mercy. Thank You for calling us out from among the world and adorning us with grace. Help us to live as lilies—pure, distinct, and fragrant with the love of Christ as our lives reflect the beauty You see in us, In Jesus’ name, amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
•John 17:16
•Jeremiah 31:3
