The desert rose, also known as the Rose of Sharon, takes root in the desert plains of Sharon in the land of Israel. The small plant springs from an acid white and bitter root, yet is often used to make perfume.

How curious a thing that a beautiful fragrance could grow from such a bitter root.

The Shulamite mentioned in the Song of Songs must have surely known about this rose when she referred to herself as the Rose of Sharon. She goes on to say she is black, but lovely in the eyes of her beloved.

Many Bible scholars believe the love story between Solomon and his beloved is a picture of our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ lovingly pursuing His Church.

To our Lord, we are like this little flower in His hands, as He filters our sometimes bitter circumstances through fingers of love. Using all things for His redemptive purposes, our loving Shepherd walks with us through the dark valleys of our lives; and its right there in the valley that He restores our soul. 

No matter how acid or bitter our desert experience may be, a beautiful fragrance of love and forgiveness can flow from our hearts to others, even those who deeply hurt us.

No matter how empty or barren our life may seem at times, God promises to restore and replenish, so much so that even His choicest spiritual fruit will flower—often in the autumn years of our lives.

It is never too late to bloom where God plants you.

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice and shout for joy. They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way. Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come with vengence; with divine retribution He will come to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Isaiah 35: s.v.1-5.