Renewal

Spring is the time of year when everything is in bloom. It is a time of renewal, and the vibrant colors of flowers and trees are evident. We wake up to the sound of the birds singing, and the buzzing of bees can be heard as we make our way outdoors. The fields and lawns are rich with plush green grass and the skies are a brilliant blue hue with fluffy clouds scattered throughout. While it is a time of growth and beauty, it is also a time that is wrought with rain and storms. During this time of year, we have some of our worst storms which can even bring hail, gusty winds, and tornadoes. We can go from having a peaceful, beautiful sunshiny day to an overcast, gray, stormy day quite easily.

And so it is with life. I have a dear friend who was just diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer. She has already overcome two previous primary breast cancers like a champion. It had been four years since her last chemo treatment. She was enjoying the beauty of spring until just the other day when she started to have symptoms. In a matter of a few days, her life was changed again. Now her days and nights are filled with fear, worry, sadness, and not understanding why this is happening again. Life can be so unpredictable. We have our joyous good days filled with laughter and happy times, and then we have days that can beat us down so much we wonder if we’ll get through them. Everyone has trials, and I’m sure you’ve had your share and know many friends who are currently going through their own trials.

As I grieve the reality my dear friend must endure right now, I also remind myself that this life is not our permanent home. I remind myself that although we must endure trials in this life, we have God’s promises to guide us, to comfort us, and to protect us. Psalm 16:8 says, “I keep my eyes on the Lord, with Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Although we face trials and hardships, God does care for us. He says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He never leaves our side when we are grieving or hurting. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

And just when we can’t handle our grief anymore, and the loss we feel is overwhelming, God tells us in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” That gives me so much hope. Just like the renewal of spring, God will make all things new again. He promises us this, and we can count on our Lord to bring us wholeness, goodness, joy, and peace. He loves us with an everlasting love and we can depend on Him to care for us. It’s so comforting.