Spring Days

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:10-11 ESV). Mary and I haven’t made the drive down some of the back roads in the Hill Country of Texas yet, though it is scheduled soon. It is springtime in Texas and that means the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes are in bloom. The roadsides are covered in a palette of blue and orange wildflowers that can amaze even the most casual of observers. Since moving back to Texas a month ago I have noticed a different kind of beauty than we experienced in Middle Tennessee. There can be no denying the beauty of that area with its own varieties of wild flowers, flowering trees, and the foothills of the Smoky Mountains; however, I must say that God has a way of painting beauty wherever we look. Isaiah takes a moment to use this truth to underscore the absolute declaration of God’s purpose in bringing salvation to His creation in our reading today. I find myself forgetting the wonder of what God has accomplished on our behalf at times through the work of Jesus. This is especially true when things seem to be more difficult than others. I have often called those times the “winter” of our lives. When everything appears to be moving easily through life and we are not facing any challenges, it is then that it seems to be more of the “spring” of life. I am grateful that God brings the “springtime.” Perhaps you are in a time of life that is filled with the challenges of health, relationship, finances, or heartache. Take some time to do an inventory of the blessings God has graciously provided in your life. It is difficult I know. But start with the undeniable truth of eternal life and work your way back to the present. Think of those friends you have known, the people who have been an inspiration to you, or the faithful who look on from heaven waiting for you to join them in a wonderful reunion someday. Look for those moments in your life when God grants a serendipitous encounter with His grace. It may be little more than a kind smile or acknowledgement from a stranger; but, it was a moment that lifted your spirit and gave you a momentary respite from the trial you are walking through. Greatly rejoice in the Lord! He HAS clothed you in the salvation of Christ!