"Spring's Coming"

“Spring’s Coming”

 

One of the most significant dates among residents of the northeast is March 1. That’s when we could say, “Spring’s coming this month.” After frigid temperatures, piles of snow, and icy roads we looked forward to the warmer conditions (although Old Man Winter often was slow in departing). Since moving to Florida the changes aren’t nearly as pronounced but we welcome more daylight and ditching the windbreakers (at least for the most part).

Asaph wrote, “…(God) made both summer and winter.” (Psalm74:17). Since God has a purpose in all He does (“…Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so will it stand.”—Isaiah 14:24) He has His reasons for the different times of year (including winter, much as we may wonder why). Winter gives the land a rest, removes old growth, and waters the earth as its snow melts to make way for the greenery and colors of spring. Solomon put it this way: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven….” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Sometimes we go through desolate periods in our lives which remind us of winter. We may feel isolated, stymied in our activity, tired of the gray, or depressed. But just as the winter months lead to the emergence of new life in spring and summer, so the testings of our dreary times prepare us for renewal. Job expressed to his friends, “But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:8-10). So God is there in our hard times even if we can’t see Him or understand what He’s doing, but when our time of discontentment is over and we see the end result we rejoice that (in the words of songwriter Gary Paxton) “He Was There All the Time.”

Later this month our northern friends will bid winter adieu (at least on the calendar) and (hopefully) welcome the warmth of spring. And if you’re struggling through a lonely and bleak period, take heart. It’s all for your ultimate benefit (“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I may learn your decrees.”--Psalm 119:71).

Be encouraged—spring’s coming!

 

Grace and blessings!

Jim McMillan