Hello, friends! Thanks for visiting today.
This is a new adventure–blogging! In the days ahead, we’ll talk about encouragement, emotions, marriage, parenting, relationships, and living abundantly in Christ. I’ll also share excerpts from my new book, Cabbages and Kings.
After a cold, icy winter, we’re approaching spring–my favorite time of year! Many of us started the year with a list of resolutions and huge determination. By now, most of the resolutions–and the determination–are a distant memory.
But the arrival of spring signals a new beginning! That’s what I love most about the season. Warm, sunny days and bursts of color in my flower garden put a smile on my face, energy in my steps, and hope in my heart.
Sorry to say, this is temporary. Spring yields to summer with its scorching heat, leaving the land parched and desolate.
Isn’t that a picture of life stages?
Has your springtime given way to summer, leaving your soul parched and desolate? Are you feeling overwhelmed, weary, hopeless?
Christ offers rest and refreshment!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).
“For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, and my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you” (Psalm 71:5-6 NIV).
If you’re feeling discouraged and hopeless, remember this: the Lord is with you and he has a mighty purpose for your life!
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands” (Psalm 138:8 NIV).
Hang on! The Lord will bring you through as surely as the hyacinths and daffodils break through the frozen ground!
2 responses to “Looking for encouragement and hope?”
As soon as I put my Christmas tree away I am ready for spring! I often dread those cold and dreary weeks until I see the first signs of new life. When I think of my spiritual journey I have to remind myself that as with nature, there can’t be a spring without a winter! In order for a seed to sprout, it has to go through a dry, dormant stage first. I have been reminded quite often that I am called to “die to self”. Until I do that, I won’t experience that abudant life Jesus promises. Help me, Lord, to embrace the “winter” seasons of my life as I look forward to the abundat new life only You can give! Thanks, Dianne, for your beautiful reminder!
Angie. I appreciate your application! The concept of “dying to self” is not appealing. But Jesus said, “unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24). That’s encouraging!