A Spring Experience

This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it...Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 118:24,29)

After a particularly long winter, the first day we walk outside and breathe in spring air, we might actually say, "This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice..."  I know I think these words if I don't say them out loud.

When we work our way through a winter season, one with lots of pain and heartache, we often ask ourselves, "Will we ever smile again?"  It is the spring sunshine that brings new hope to us.  It is the colorful landscape which fills us with fresh feelings laced with peace.

As we approach Holy Week, we often think on a deeper level, all Jesus has done for us.  Even when we just experienced an intense winter, the thought of Jesus on the other side of this season, helps us to "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good." Contemplating the happenings of Holy Week starting with the joyous celebration on Palm Sunday we are mindful of pain and suffering.

I prepare to travel in my mind, the dark road to the Cross, memories of years gone by surface and I am reminded of the many Lenten and Easter Seasons observed with my husband.  I reflect on the fun we had hiding Easter baskets and the family dinners shared on Easter Sunday.  They all mean something different now. When I attend worship service on Easter Sunday, the experience is different and meaningful in a brand new way.

I know that my Savior, who made the ultimate sacrifice for me, also made that sacrifice for my husband and I am assured that I will see him again.  The Good News doesn't get any better than that for me!  Alleluia!

Psalm 118:19-29

Tuesday - Birth of John Foretold

Luke 1:19-20 (NIV)  The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." 

Just listen to the command, the strength in the words of Gabriel. "I stand in the presence of God." What a powerful and attention grabbing statement. Zechariah doubted.  He not only doubted the words Gabriel was sharing, it would seem he doubted the power of God and His ability to do anything.

This is a thrilling thought, that God can do anything.  We claim to believe, but do we truly believe?  My doubts fill page after page in my prayer journal. The comfort here is that God knows the limits of my faith, he understands my weaknesses. It is His faithfulness to me that helps me overcome my lack of faith.

I see how much He cares, how often He provides for me.  I am slowly coming to realize this and to relax and trust. It is sad to think of how many blessings I have missed because I did not believe God would handle a situation.  How many times have I gotten ahead of God?  How many times did God have such greater plans for me than my patience would wait for?

The season I am current in has taught me much about myself, but mostly about God. The next messenger God sends my way will not go unheard.  The next challenge or roadblock I encounter will be turned over to God.  He is the one who cares, the one who is able to clear the path before me. I am going to be watchful and attentive to His faithfulness.  I will not miss another blessing.

Luke 1:18-25