How Does God Use Flowers to Teach Us about Himself?
“April showers bring May flowers” is a phrase I heard my grandmother say all too often. She was obsessed with flowers and had a green thumb to match. My childhood was filled with days helping granny plant, prune, or cut flowers. Her yard was an oasis for all types, kinds, and colors. My most vivid memory is the joy I felt when I was with granny nurturing those flowers she loved.
As a child, I was not a believer and did not think about what flowers symbolize. In my walk of faith and the realization that I too am obsessed with flowers, my thoughts about them have deepened.
God created flowers for His children for many reasons. They represent many aspects of the Christian walk. I want to take some time and examine what flowers symbolize, the spiritual truths they convey, and how we learn more about the character of God from flowers.
Floral Symbolism in the Bible
Flowers are vibrant and majestic. They are beautiful symbols of so many aspects of life. In the Bible, flowers often represent beauty and glory. In Song of Solomon 2:2 it is written “Like a lily among thorns, so is my darling among the young women.” Solomon uses the lily flower in this poetic verse to illustrate that the lily is a flower so beautiful, it stands out among thorns.
In Luke 12:27, God uses the wildflowers to point out the beauty displayed on the earth. “Consider how the wild flowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these.”
While flowers represent beauty and glory, they also represent mortality. Myrrh is one such flower that symbolizes this idea beautifully. Myrrh is an old flower dating back to the Old Testament (Esther 2:12). It was used as an aromatic for perfumes, and it comes full circle in Jesus’ life. Jesus was presented myrrh at his birth (Matthew 2:8). Myrrh is then mixed with the wine the Roman soldiers gave him on the cross (Mark 15:23). As Jesus was being buried, myrrh was used in the embalming process (John 19:39).
Flowers are also used to symbolize divine provision and care for God’s children. In Exodus 28, God gives instruction for the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons needed to fulfill their duties. In verse 33, God says to “make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on its lower hem and all around it.” God also used flowers such as mallow, mint, saffron, rye, cumin, caper berries, and dill to provide food and spices for His people. Mint and dill were also used as tithes. Flax is another flowering plant that was used to make linen for clothing.
Flowers are also used to symbolize love, purity, growth, and restoration. The rose and or crocus flower gives us hope for renewal (Isaiah 35:1). Hyssop was used to purify and cleanse (Psalm 51:7). Mandrakes are seen as a symbol of love and fertility. Its roots were often prepared and eaten as a fertility drug (Genesis 30:14, Song of Solomon 7:13).
Flowers were and continue to be the perfect symbol for the Christian life. It is a beautiful life that gives us hope, renewal, a promise of provision, and an understanding of its fragility.
Spiritual Truths Found in Flowers
The Bible is filled with teachings that provide us with essential spiritual truths. Jesus spends his entire ministry sharing these truths with us. When we read the words of Jesus, we witness the creative power He has. Every flower that blooms on every plant comes from God. He spoke them into existence. That is powerful! The vibrant colors, the whimsical shapes, and the statuesque stems speak of His worthiness of our worship.
Flowers remind us that our lives are transient and fleeting. Every spring, summer, and autumn we enjoy the colorful blossoms as they unfurl their petals, but we know winter is coming and the blossoms will fade and disappear. Our lives on Earth are but a vapor. Our worldly pursuits are temporary. The old will pass away, but we have hope that one day we will be restored at the right hand of our Father.
All flowers rely on sun and water for growth. Sometimes we must give them a boost with fertilizer and spritz of pest deterrent. If the flowers’ needs are not met, they do not grow. Flowers are an ultimate example of dependence and humility. We need God to guide our paths and keep us from harm. With Him, we can have no fear. He is our inspiration, encouragement, and source of abundant life.
God’s Character Displayed
Flowers symbolize many things, and they remind us of important spiritual truths. But the ultimate lesson we learn from flowers is better understanding God’s character. Our God is a caring God. He created flowers to give us something exquisite to look at and provide for our basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Before God made man, God knew what we needed and cared enough to create it.
Our God is also attentive to detail. Each flower has a unique color, petal, leaf, and stem. Some flowers are grown from seed while others are grown from bulbs. Some flowers are dwarf varieties while some have double blooms. The diligence God uses in the creation of flowers tells us that He is attentive to the details of our lives. He has taken time to create us and prepare us for the plan He has for us. We do not have to doubt Him because every detail is taken care of.
God boldly shows us His creative side when we observe flowers. Watching the distinct stages of growth is amazing. How creative is it to take a tiny seed that will sprout a plant that can grow as tall as six feet. The array of colors tells us that we can be creative too. Flowers are useful for life-giving purposes, but they also are a way God makes our lives colorful.
Flowers also show off the transformative power God has. Every flower God created has the power to transform our lives. Flowers can turn a difficult day into a good one. Flowers can be used to cleanse us when their aromas are used in soaps and perfumes. They can put a smile on our faces. Just as we are dirty with sin, God can transform our hearts, minds, and lives. A plain field of grass can be plowed and filled with flower seeds and become transformed into a colorful, vibrant place. Our plain lives can be made full and vibrant when we allow God to transform us.
Final Floral Thoughts
Flowers are so much more than a stem with leaves and bloom. They are a piece of God’s creation that symbolize purity, love, provision, and beauty. They are beautiful reminders that our lives are fleeting. One day this Earth will be gone, and a new heaven and earth will take its place. While we wait, we can only depend on God.
The next time you see wildflowers in the field or tend the flowers in your garden, remember we serve a creative and loving God. We serve a God that can transform our lives.
Related article: 5 Powerfully Symbolic Herbs in the Bible
Photo credit: Unsplash/Ales Me
Originally published June 04, 2025.
