Spring
I love this time of year.
When the light stays around in the evenings longer, the sky is blue more often than it’s grey, and the yellow daffodils come. Daffodils are gorgeous aren’t they? Nothing says spring to me more I don’t think, happy and sunny as they are.
Today is particularly gorgeous. I woke really early and went for a walk with Michael along the River. It was before dawn, and the water was shadowy and lovely, and everything was so still. It’s where I took the photo of the daffodils above, a couple of years ago. If you’d like to see more of some of the beautiful scenes of spring I came across, there’s a slideshow of photos you can view by clicking here.
I learnt something else about spring yesterday. It was a really good devotional point for the season ahead I thought. It was something I read in an article by our vicar that I picked up at church, and it started off with the point that in biblical times, spring was the time the kings went off to war (2 Sam. 11:1). The rains had cleared, and crops were starting to grow so that soldiers and horses had food and it was possibly easier passage on the roads. Then the article went on to talk about King David.
At this time, “when kings go to battle” (11:1), David stayed behind. He sent his men out, but he decided to stay on in Jerusalem (11:1). Many of you will probably know this story well, but this decision on David’s part ended up being really significant. On one of the days during this time, David got up from resting, and went for a walk on his roof. It was here that he first saw Bathsheba. The palace roof gave view of her bathing, “and the woman was very beautiful to behold,” the Bible says (11:2).
David fell into temptation.
The point our vicar made to us in his article was about standing firm in whatever it is God has for us in this season ahead, this spring season. To resist the temptation to “stay behind” as David did in this passage, but instead to persevere, and remain faithful to what God has called us to do.
God must have been speaking to you on my behalf. Today the other shoe dropped and I found myself surrounded by temptation. Holy Spirit bit my tongue for me but my belly churned all day. Okay, Lord. I’ll persevere and remain faithful.
Daffodils?? My city brags of having the longest skating rink in the world. It hasn’t even begun to melt yet so we won’t be seeing daffodils for a long while yet.
Great analogy B. Yes, I am so happy to let go of winter both litterally and symbolically, and say hello spring!
xoxox,
R
Standing firm in this season of life has been one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever had. I want to cave. I want to throw up my hands and declare it’s all too hard. But I don’t get to…I mean, I could…David was forgiven, I would be too…but, I can’t.
I won’t.
Thanks again, Birgit. One of these days the struggle won’t be so hard and I’ll come here, read, and say, “Hmph! I got that learned!”
Somehow I really doubt that will ever be the case.
Love you.
Hope, I know exactly what you mean about temptation to do, think, or say something you know God doesn’t want. Situations like this come up all the time I find, and it reminds me of that verse in 1 Peter, about the enemy being a roaring lion, going around, seeking someone to devour, and Peter saying to be really self controlled and watchful (5:8-9) – so hard oftentimes! I was so inspired by what you said about persevering through it and staying faithful to God, that is so great!
No spring where you are for a while then? Well, apart from the slushy stuff, I hope you get to enjoy the beautiful snow
Bless you friend xo
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Thanks Roxx, yeah, our minister was kind enough to let me quote him, ha, ha. I know what you mean about the spring, blossoms, crocuses, sunshine, I love this time of year
Hope you’re well Roxx xo
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Love you too, Michelle, you really are an inspiration. Even though I don’t know the circumstances you’re facing, I know the feelings you describe here well. There’s that verse that says He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Cor.10:13) but sometimes the situation can press in so hard, I find. I admire your commitment and focus, and may God really strengthen you and give you His peace, and His joy too xo.
The daffodils are beautiful. I love the promise of spring, all things new. This is good encouragement to keep moving forward in the things of God, even of it means
going to war!
Wow, great point Rain. May He strengthen us, and also renew us for the season ahead.
Hope you’re well, Rain, will be emailing you soon xo
Yeah, daffodils are one of my favourites, I love how bright and happy looking they are. They don’t seem to be around for that long though, so I have to make the most
Hi Birgit!
Yes, we must embrace the season that we are in. Great point. And, as always, your photo is breathtaking.