Hope for Spring

It was one of those days in which the rain kept coming.

I stood behind my church’s connection desk and watched as one of the greeter’s hair soared straight into the air, as the wind swirled and ruffled it to and fro. The drear and drizzle continued throughout most of the afternoon. It was the first day of Daylight Savings Time, and the weather seemed to remind me of how sleepy I really was and that caffeine was not a strong enough remedy for my tired body.

I took a nap in an attempt to satiate my body’s need for rest, and upon waking up, I spotted the most glorious sunbeams pouring in through the bay window. They flickered in and out of the clouds, and when I finally made it alfresco to let the dogs out, the sun stuck. Golden rays of sun created a spotlight on the newly bloomed flowers. The flowers, in saturated hues of yellow, purple, and pink, reminded me of glimmers of hope. Hope in which I so desperately need reminding of today.

Each winter I feel as though God likes to teach me the hard things. Perhaps it’s because I’m forced indoors with my thoughts, and I cannot escape into the Pacific Northwest’s outdoor playground. Or maybe it’s my own internal reflections rearing their head. Either way, it seems as though the past few winters have been riddled with a little bit of gloom. I know I am not alone in feeling this way, as many friends and family have poured out their hearts to me stating the same awareness of life’s difficulties. I hope in God, and I know with Him, I can weather through any storm. Sometimes, however, it feels as though after the storm you are a little worse for wear. A little beaten—skin chapped and rubbed raw from the lashing of the waves, but not defeated.

And then there are moments like today: I saw a physical reminder of hope coming. Flowers. So simple, yet striking. God knew I needed this physical reminder of His goodness.

Hosea 6:3 says, “Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”

As surely as the spring rains fall, if we call upon God, He will come. He will answer us. He will provide us with hope in daily reminders of flowers blooming, and in the answers of prayers prayed for many years. God will come and take our bruised spirits and renew us with His strength. He will come and fill our hearts with a longing for something more. He will come and bind up our broken and weary hearts and draw them close to Him. He will come and bring healing, peace, and calm to the turmoil in our lives. He will come to us as the showers, frequently and at the exact moment needed.
Spring is coming. I saw that hope today in the form of a dewy daffodil. Hope is coming. His name is Jesus.

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Readers, What are you looking forward to seeing happen as spring arrives?

Sarah believes God has called her to this space to bring joy and encouragement through words to friends and family near and far. You can find her stories for Anchored Voices under the tag Sarah.