Devotional: Spring Brings Hope

Spring officially starts tomorrow. I've been looking forward to it, and I'm sure that many others have, too. Out of all of the seasons, though, spring seems to be special. There's just something about it. I think it's because of the symbolism behind it. It's a season of rebirth, birth, and hope. It's also when everything comes alive. The flowers bloom, which is one of my favorite parts. Because of that, spring is my second-loved season. I love walking outside with my camera to take pictures of the birds, flowers, and yes, even bugs. This season itself awakens something inside me. I can't quite explain it, but it's wonderful.

Hope. It's what spring brings with it. A new beginning. Whenever this season enters my life, I get excited. I start planning, organizing, and preparing for the future. I look forward with anticipation of what God has waiting for me. Sure. Hard things can still happen, but I want to water the garden that's also within me. I guess that's what I'm trying to explain about how I feel with spring. Not only are there flowers blooming outside, but within my heart, as well. That garden is a lovely feeling all-together, and I know that God is preparing my heart for what's ahead. I can then tend to my growing garden within, too.

I know right now a lot of people need hope. I remember going through some of the toughest days without it myself, and it didn't matter to me if it was spring or not. I wish that I would've held onto hope, even if it felt like there was none. It may not have changed my situation, but maybe it would've helped me more in some way. The first time I went through hardship, I was devoid of hope. I couldn't believe things could get better. They did. But a second time came around, and once again, no hope. I'm in a better place now, but I still struggle. And maybe, things will get hard again. But I'll have hope this time.

If you're struggling, I pray that you find hope in your life. Even if it's in the small things. Even if you have to take one day at a time. Spring is coming, even so, an eternal spring someday. I hold onto both. And the hope of God. I know that I can still cling to His hope. I'm not giving it up. If you ever need hope yourself, read scripture, you'll find it there. It's also in the small, everyday things of life. Looking at the sky or at a flower, reminds me of hope. It's there. I promise. It even seems like the world itself is looking for some kind of hope. My wish is that many people will find it because God is hope's answer.

Spring brings hope.

"The blossoms have already appeared in the land; the time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land." - Song of Solomon 2:12 NASB

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson