Psalm 5: Lift Your Head Up

One of my favorite flowers is the sunflower.

We spent some time in Italy this summer, and as we went through the countryside of Tuscany, there was a field of newly bloomed sunflowers standing tall with their vibrant, yellow faces turned towards the sun.

I apologize for the lack of quality in these pictures. Even with the right shutter speed, it's tricky to get a clear image while in a vehicle going 50+ mph. But we all know that even a good picture couldn't capture its true beauty.

Any beautiful flower that provides a snack is automatically on my list of favorite plants, but what makes this flower truly incredible is how God designed it to grow.

Sunflowers are heliotropic. It leans toward the side of the stem that gets more light while the shaded side grows. As the sun moves, the light shifts to the other side of the stem, and the head of the sunflower moves along with it.

It follows the sun from east to west throughout the day in order to maximize their exposure to light. The sunflower requires little from the earth and can be planted in just about any kind of soil.

Its essential source to bloom and grow is the sun…hence, its name.

As it matures, the head becomes too heavy to move directions and will settle into a fixed position facing east, waiting for the warmth of the morning sun for sustainability.

O LORD, in the morning You hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for You and watch.
~Psalm 5:3

What a powerful reminder of how I should be living daily! Just as the sunflower starts the day waiting for the sun’s enrichment, I need to seek God from the moment I wake up. To watch with expectancy that if I keep my eyes on Him all the day long, my soul will be nourished. Trials and tribulations will come, but just as the sunflower stands tall with its head lifted high, I will stand strong in my faith.

And just as the sunflower gets its name from its main source, I want to be identified by mine. I want to be a reflection of God’s love and grace in my interactions with others and shine His light into the world.

Let the sunflower be a reminder to keep your head up and follow Him in your own life. I pray that you flourish in the light of His glory and grace.

Songs that inspire turning our eyes upon Jesus:

“If you have been losing sight of the sun ~ If you ever feel your path is undone ~ If the journey finds you weary in the waiting ~ You just remember, it won’t be forever. Lift your head up…”