THE FAITHFUL SEASONS: SPRING- From Rain to Renewal

RAIN

Spring - commonly characterized by windy, rainy days. On the good days, the clouds part and the sun is sprinkled in, giving us glimmers of Hope…only to be followed by more wind and rain.

During this rainy season, we may lose Hope and find ourselves surrounded by a storm. The dark clouds of disappointment, depression, illness, or loss, drench us in fear and anxiety. We may become discouraged, worried, and fearful that we are enslaved to the violent wind and rain of suffering that is beating loudly against the walls of the shelter we are living in.

What will we do?

LOCK OR WALK

We can be bound by the pain and suffering from the harsh elements and lock ourselves in a prison of lethargy, fear, and self-destruction.

OR

We can weather the storm and walk towards the light at the end of the polar vortex tunnel and keep Hope on the horizon.

When we keep Hope on the horizon, we take the wisdom of what the preceding winter season (storing up rest, nutrients, plans, and dreams) with us into the spring. When the snow, wind, and rain subsides, we can have faith that we are equippped to step outside and walk into the warmth of a new season.

Yes, a little rain may come, but this too shall pass. Remember that rain comes not to destroy life, but to bring renewal.

RENEWAL

“As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth” -Hosea

Remember the wisdom of our Creator that gave us seasons. Reflect on how the wind and rain are actually beneficial for growth and will bring our RENEWAL.

We can actually benefit from the harsh conditions and the difficult circumstances if we can weather the storm within the shelter of Hope.

How so?

The wind spreads the seeds that are nourished by the rain and the seeds grow to become beautiful blossoms & food that nourishes our bodies and satisfies us.

“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.”—David

Think about our plant friends. Some plants go dormant in the winter and come back even larger than they were the previous year. What if your dreams are not dead, they’re just dormant in this season? What if you are wisely weathering the storms by conserving resources and energy for the next season? What if are being renewed and you will soon Spring forth and be given bigger and better new life?

Have Faith in the seasons & keep Hope on the horizon.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace;         

The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up,

And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.”