Early Americans called them Lamparas de Dios or the Lamps of God.
When deserts bloom, they really bloom. Even when rain is sparse, yuccas seem to bloom every year. They are one persistent plant! A little known fact is the flowers are edible, raw or lightly sauteed.
I live in Lincoln, Nebraska and there are yucca plants in the landscaping around my neighborhood. This picture was taken recently in a canyon in the Santa Anna mountains in Southern California.
There are many kinds of yucca; they grow from Canada down into South America.
Every time I see one, I think of God’s word as a lamp for my path. The desert can be unfriendly and hard to navigate at times. But the yucca offers itself as a guide and reminder that things will be alright if I follow the light I have seen from God.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my concerns.
See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-25
For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is a rock? Only our God.
God is my strong refuge;
He makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer
and sets me securely on the heights. 2 Samuel 22:33-35
Lord, You are my lamp;
the Lord illuminates my darkness. 2 Samuel 22:29
These last few verses are from a section of Scripture called David’s Thanksgiving. Like David, we can be thankful for God and His word, His lamps and flowers, His guidance and presence.
