The Sermon on the Mount, Section F, Flowers and Provision

In verse 28 "consider" (καταμάθετε), learn thoroughly. Our Lord, in the present verse, bids us use the powers we possess; in verse 28 he bids us learn the lessons that we can find round us.

Consider the lilies
Contentment without distrust.
I. They are clothed with beauty (1Pe_3:3-4).
II. They grow without anxiety. They never fret because of the heat, drought, rain, or cold. They pass through changes; are of different growth.
III. They are watched, although soon to pall. (Canon Titcomb, M. A.)

 Marlene Tays Wellard, Consider the Lilies

Lily lessons

I. A lesson of wonder and delight in contemplating the works of God. They are God’s workmanship.

II. Admire and love what is beautiful. Some people take no account of beauty; they want only the useful. The beauty of heaven, the beauty of holiness.

III. Diligence.

IV. Patience and punctuality. Every blossom has its season.

V. Tolerance. Lilies and roses and oaks all grow in obedience to same laws; but each after its own pattern.

VI. A lesson of faith. (E. R. Conder, D. D.)

6:33 The Lord, therefore, makes a covenant with His followers. He says, in effect, ”If you will put God's interests first in your life, I will guarantee your future needs. If you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then I will see that you never lack the necessities of life.”-BB

Personal Thoughts:
The process of gardening regularly sparks reflective thought.  I find that in pulling weeds, planting seeds, watching what flourishes, and what dies, I learn the rhythms of His world better.  The birds outside our bedroom window sing each morning, happy for the rains, for their daily rhythm too.  The sense of peace I find while hiking or in the natural world is similar--stepping away from the man created into the God created brings me peace.