THE FIRST ROSE

A Sacred Whisper from the Garden of God’s Heart

“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.”

—Song of Solomon 2:1 (NKJV)

“I’m just a wildflower picked from the plains of Sharon, a lotus blossom from the valley.” (MSG)

“He sees me as the most beautiful lily rising up from the valley… yes, you are my darling companion. You stand out from all the rest.”

—Song of Songs 2:1 (TPT)

This morning, behind my home, I walked into a sacred parable.

Two morning glory vines were winding their way up the white fence—climbing heavenward with grace and purpose. Beside them, a small rosebush we planted not long ago. And there it was… our very first rose. A single crimson bloom, shyly opening to the morning light, its delicate petals kissed by dew.

My heart leapt. Not because the rose was large. Not because the rose was perfect. But because it was first. It was new. It was alive. And in that holy moment, I felt the Spirit whisper, “This is how I see My beloved.”

Dear one, there are many flowers in the field. The world is loud, crowded, and fast. But you—yes, you—are seen. You may feel small, unseen, one among thousands. But the Bridegroom has set His eyes on you. You are not just a rose. You are His rose.

The Shulamite in Song of Songs once thought she was just a common wildflower among many—ordinary, unremarkable. But the King steps in. And He calls her the rose of Sharon, the lily among thorns. He doesn’t say, “You’re one of many.” He says, “You are mine. You stand out from all the rest.”

Beloved, in the garden of the Lord, every rose has a name. And He knows yours.

He whispers it with tenderness. He counts every petal. He delights in your unfolding. And even when you see thorns, He sees beauty. He is not repelled—He is drawn. He is the Master Gardener who alone knows how to hold a rose without being wounded. His hands were pierced once—for love.

You may feel like your growth is slow. Like your roots are weak. Like you are overshadowed by others. But hear this, dear one: You are not overlooked. Not forgotten. He tends you with intimate care.

He waters you when you’re parched from disappointment.

He shields you when the sun of trial bears down hard.

He prunes you—not in anger, but in deep love—to make room for fuller bloom.

He pulls the weeds of distraction, fear, comparison, and shame.

He cultivates you until your fragrance fills His garden.

And oh, the fragrance… the sweet perfume of one who’s been with Jesus. That’s what rises from the life that is fully His. That’s what the world needs most—the scent of surrender, the aroma of Christ. And yes, it comes through pruning. Yes, it comes through waiting. But oh, beloved, it’s worth it. He’s making you a rose that will not wither.

“You are My rose,” He says. “And I have all of eternity to enjoy your beauty.”

This isn’t just poetry. This is truth. This is the holy mystery: Though He is infinite, though His eyes span the heavens—He stoops low, gently cups your face, and sings over you with joy.

You have all of God to yourself.

And yet—so do I.

This is the divine romance. It’s you and Jesus, walking alone through the garden of your heart. Just the two of you. The stars fade in the background. The noise dies down. And He bends low to whisper,

“You are Mine. I created you with joy. I planted you with purpose. I have watched over every moment of your unfolding. You are not too late, not too far gone, not too broken. I delight in you. I rejoice over you with singing. You are My precious little rose.”

So bloom, dear one.

Even if no one sees.

Even if no one notices.

Even if it feels like a small thing in a hidden garden.

Because He sees.

And when your heart opens toward Him—like that first little rose in the morning sun—He leans in, smiles, and says, “This is why I made you.”

Let your heart soak in the gentle gaze of the Gardener.

He has not forgotten you.

He is tending to you even now.

And in His eyes, you are the joy of His garden.

So bloom.

Bloom anyway.

Bloom for the One who walks among the roses and knows you by name.

With Love,

Steve Porter

🙏🏼 PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AS I GO INTO MY THIRD EYE SURGERY TODAY AT 6:30 AM. 🙏🏼

Would you enjoy our daily devotion straight to your email? Never miss a devotion again. The algorithm often hides our posts. Sign up here:

👉 https://substack.com/@morningglorydevo

If this devotion has blessed you, please consider leaving a comment. Your feedback encourages others and helps this content reach more people by boosting its visibility through the algorithm. I appreciate your support!

---

---