Do you feel hope springing up in your spirit? The seasons are changing, we're emerging from the pandemic, new opportunities are waiting for us. Hope is springing forth.
Isn't it wonderful to see the signs of spring and new life? Here in the Northeast, trees are budding, spring bulbs are popping through and blossoming, farmers are beginning to plant early crops, and it's lambing season. We even had a new grandbaby born this week, more evidence of the new life of spring.
The statistics regarding the pandemic are looking better each day. Businesses are beginning to open, concerts are being planned, and it's starting to feel 'normal' again. For those who were unemployed, the job market is opening again. Financial assistance, stimulus checks, and tax returns are all helping ease the pressure of economic recovery. Hope is springing forth out of the ground and in the atmosphere!
While some may long for the return of the way things were, most people are viewing the outcomes of the pandemic as forward progress. Ready or not, we were thrust into the world of life online. Suddenly daily life included attending Zoom everything....meetings, birthday parties, holiday celebrations and more. Just last week, I Face-Timed with one of our daughters as she was in the hospital having her first baby. Online shopping, remote learning, and ordering curb-side pickup have become second nature in our online lives this past year.
I've written for several weeks about the mental health impacts of the past year. Some are struggling with depression, others are grieving the death of family and friends and the loss of so much. As I've said for months, it's been a rough year emotionally and spiritually, and physically for many. I am not negating these realities which I have experienced along with you. I refer you back to those blogs for help in those specific areas, but today I want you to focus on shifting your perspective and finding hope of the brighter days!
Hebrews 6:18-19 (MSG) says "Grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearance right to the very presence of God."
We are not without hope. God is our lifeline and if we cling to Him and stand on the promises He has given to us throughout the Bible, hope will begin to replace despair. Are you beginning to bounce back? Do you see light at the end of the tunnel? Is your spirit beginning to show signs of new life as we look to all the future holds?
Do you believe Jeremiah 29:11? "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (NIV) That means regardless of how dark this past year has been, how difficult your current situation may be-you can trust that God has a plan to bring you into a bright future.
Read Psalm 121 (NIV) often as you pray. "I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Cling to that hope! It's a new season on the calendar, in the pandemic era, and in the spiritual realm. Hope is springing forth!