Spring shall come

“He spreads snow like a white fleece, he scatters frost like ashes, He broadcasts hail like birdseed—who can survive his winter? Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter—suddenly it’s spring!” (Ps. 147:12-18 MSG)

My thermometer says it is -3 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Snow covers everything. The trees are bare and the grass is brown. I can’t even hear any birds chirping. I’m glad this isn’t my first winter.  Even though it is hard to imagine that things will get better, I know spring shall come. For months, I will have to endure. Yet one day I shall see little bumps on the tree branches. Then my heart shall quicken. Even though the frost may kill these early buds, I know it is just a matter of time. I shall not despair at the false starts. I have seen the seasons change.

I have lived through many seasons of trial and spiritual dryness. The suffering always seems to last forever.  Each time I have allowed myself to become discouraged and despondent.  I pray for it to end, but God in his wisdom has a prescribed time for each season. Meanwhile, He is our shelter during the howling winds and frigid temperatures. We have a choice whether we enter into Him or we stand outside in the cold.

Then the first signs of change appear. There shall be many false starts, many frosts that kill the early buds of hope. Yet we know that this too shall pass. The same God that sheltered us during the dark cold months will bring light and warmth.