Isn’t spring the best? It is a natural picture of hope.

After months of gray skies, naked trees, dormant grasses and wildflowers, spring reintroduces life. Out of the seemingly dead ground, sprouts of life remind us that all is not lost.

Having already harvested the first blooms from our yard, the lovely daffodils put a bounce in my step and a song in my heart. Glorious hope. Better days are coming.

I’ve always thought spring to be a picture of the greatest spiritual truth – that, for the redeemed, death is temporary. The symbolism found in tendrils and flowers defeating the throws of winter’s death and rising to life is a picture of our Lord’s resurrection. Every spring we are given a beautiful reminder of His sacrifice and our resulting hope.

This spring is seemingly different. This spring the world is dealing with a viral challenge by the name of COVID-19, which is closing churches, schools, restaurants, movie theaters, and other places of social activity. Such closures will undoubtedly negatively impact the world economy, leading to financial hardship for many. Chances are good that someone we know and love will suffer infection. All of the unknown that accompanies a novel virus tends to heighten anxiety.

Is hope fleeting? It is – if your hope is based on what is seen. But hope in the unseen is sure, promised, foundational, calming. A sampling of Scriptures pointing to this glorious truth are:

We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  II Corinthians 4:18

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?  Romans 8:24

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not  seen. Hebrews 11:1

Don’t believe in the Bible? Then I encourage you to closely examine those who do, those who are grounded in Christ. True believers walk in hope. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, their eyes and priorities have been refocused. They trust in God’s sovereignty (control and authority over all things) and know that nothing that happens is a surprise to Him. In fact, trial and tribulation are promised in Scripture. The presence of such is actually affirmation of the God-breathed ancient words on which believers base their lives. They have learned the value of trial, for it is the fire of refinement that produces a deeper knowledge and understanding of Truth. Therein lies peace. Therein lies hope. The best is yet to come.

Need hope? In an increasingly dark world with rapidly changing circumstances, know that Jesus does not change. Seek Him, the sovereign One who is the only source of lasting, peace-giving hope.

Joy in Jesus,

Jacquee

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. On Christ the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.