See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Song of Solomon 2:11-13.
We all go through winter seasons in our Christian journey—times when God seems distant, unconcerned, and far away. Winter can be challenging when we must endure trusting by faith and not by sight. We are assured by His Word that He is at work, but there is very little evidence of His hand from our perspective. There are lessons to be learned from creation. The earth is not entirely dormant even during the cold and barren months. Beneath the surface, the process of life continues, preparing for the beauty of spring. Be blessed to trust the words of Jesus: “My Father is always at work to this very day, and I am working too” (Jn. 5:17). Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are committed to you. They are always at work on your behalf.
Spring is our invitation to hope in Him. Be blessed as the God of hope fills you with all of His joy and peace as you trust in Him. In the midst of your barren places, He can make you overflow with hope by the power of His Spirit (Rom. 15:13). Hear your Beloved say to you the winter is over. Now, the season of renewal has arrived. Let go of any lingering fear or unbelief and fully embrace the spring. This is a time for rejoicing, for singing, and for breathing in the fragrance of new life. God is inviting you to put the winter behind and rise into the new abundance that spring holds.
Just as the flowers begin to appear and the birds start their songs, let your heart be filled with joy and your spirit with praise. The fig tree forms its early fruit, symbolizing the promises and blessings that are beginning to manifest in your life. The blossoming vines spread their fragrance, representing the sweet aroma of God’s grace and love surrounding you.
© 2024 Sylvia Gunter. Taken from Strength To Equal Your Days: A Year of Prayers and Blessings. An archive of past devotionals is available at www.thefathersbusiness.com
