By Carol Round – “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy”—Isaiah 35:1(NIV).
On a recent afternoon, my two youngest grandchildren were helping me in my yard. Redoing one of the larger flowerbeds in preparation for spring’s arrival on March 20, the three of us spent almost four hours redesigning the shape, pulling weeds, and spreading more soil.
Our time together was also filled with joy. As my 15-year-old grandson helped work the soil and reposition the edging, he discovered a trove of tiny snails. Carefully placing several of the small creatures in his glove, he shared them with his six-year-old sister.
Of course, Ruby was delighted to help Cash find more of the wee mollusks. Joy filled my spirit as the siblings teased each other about the names she chose for her new pets. Yes, she was taking them home in a small metal bucket I provided from my garage.
Finding Joy in a New Season
As we continued cleaning out the flowerbed, I reminded both not to step on the tiny crocus shoots that were already peeking through the soil. It brought joy to my weary wilderness winter spirit to see the first sign of spring.
Spring is a season of hope, new life, and fresh beginnings. As the sun warmed my body and pierced through the negative thoughts I’d been fighting from my past, I embraced hope. That hope comes from my Savior, who is the author of new beginnings for all who seek Him.
In Isaiah 43:18-19, the prophet writes, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Leaving the Wilderness Behind
Immediately after His baptism, Jesus had a “wilderness experience.” The Spirit sent Him out into the wilderness for 40 days of temptation by Satan. During that time, Jesus refused to give in to His hunger and other challenges designed to turn Him away from His ordained mission.
As God’s children, we face temptation, too. Being tempted isn’t a sin. We all face times of testing in the wilderness. However, we are never without God’s grace.
John 3:17 reminds us “God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”
Thankful for God’s Amazing Grace
As we finished in the flowerbed, I stepped away to examine the buds on a nearby tree. A harsh winter with freezing temperatures had killed some of my bushes. Examining the tree, I saw proof of survival.
German theologian Martin Luther once said, “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”
When we leave the wilderness of our trials and emerge into the hope that spring brings, let us remember we are never without God’s grace. When a new day dawns, may we recall His mercies are new each morning, and let us rejoice.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo by Liana S on Unsplash
