Grow In Deep Places
“I am the rose [of the plain] of Sharon, The lily of the valleys [that grows in deep places].” Song of Solomon 2:1 (Amplified Bible, AMP)
The bride here is likening herself to the rose of the plain of Sharon. The Sharon Plain is a region in Israel’s coastal plain, a fertile area known for its beautiful trees. The rose of Sharon has also been called the Lilly of the Valley, and it grows in deep places, or valleys. The woman, in humility, claims to be one flower among many in Sharon and in Israel’s many valleys.
Flowers need rain and sunshine to grow. However, too much rain will drown the flower out, and too much sun can scorch it and make the soil too dry. Too much of either one is no good. We grow when a balance is manitained, even in the valley.
The valley is often a metaphor for difficult times and trials. No matter who you are and what you are going through, learn to grow in the valley- in deep places. We may go through difficult places in life, but it can result in our growth.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
We must be mindful that the valley is a temporary situation. We are just passing through. At some point, every trial will end. However, while we are there, we must recognize its value for our growth. For some reason, most of us seem to grow more in the low places, in the hard times. Why is that? Maybe it’s because most of us seek God more in painful times than we do when things are going well. Don’t waste your pain in the valley. Allow it to help you grow. Sadly, for some, the painful times are the only times they grow. Nevertheless, God is in the business of turning pain into gain, ashes into beauty, and valleys into flowers.
If it seems like you’ve been in a deep place- a valley- for a while, trust God and let Him do His deep work in you to mature you. He’ll grow you into a beautiful flower that will bring Him glory.
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 (KJV)
In the deep places, we can grow, blossom, and be fruitful… and see the Lord’s glory.