Source: Christina Fox

We recently spent the day at a botanical garden. Though the last of winter’s chill lingered in the air, the flowers were in full bloom. I breathed in their heavy scent and marveled at the variegated colors. I was mesmerized by all the different kinds of plants and flowers, snapping pictures at nearly every step I took. I could have stayed there for days, soaking in the aromas and enjoying the beauty around me.

Flowers are a reminder that warmer days have arrived. Like all living things, flowers follow a seasonal pattern. All of nature has an ebb and flow, seasons of life and death. The flowers blooming today notify us that winter has passed, spring is here and summer is on its way.

Source: Christina Fox

Our lives have a similar seasonal pattern. There are dark, cold nights of the soul as well as warm periods of utter joy. There are seasons of suffering and seasons of blessing. We go through trials and challenges, unexpected events, times of hunger and bouts of pain. No matter the season, our trust in God’s love and faithfulness brings us through one season and on to the next.

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4:12

The flowers of spring bring a sweet aroma, reminding us of the faithfulness of God. His covenant love for His children is stronger than the fiercest winter in our soul. The beauty of God’s creation tells of His generous loving care for all He has made.

Christ pointed to flowers as a reminder of God’s love and providential care, “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:27,28)

The Bible speaks repeatedly about remembering all the ways God has loved and cared for His people. Following the first Passover, the Jews in the OT were told to celebrate and remember for generations to come the way God rescued them from Egypt. These celebrations occurred year after year. They were to look back in their past and see the way God had redeemed them from slavery and blessed them as a nation.

Remembering his faithfulness and counting the ways he blesses, propels us forward during difficult times. When a cold season approaches, we can reach back into summer past and remember all that God has done. Looking back on past grace gives us faith in His future grace.

Source: Christina Fox

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus… I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:4-7,13

Seeing God’s handiwork in the brilliant display of flowers reminded me of God’s vast and amazing love. This season of growth and new life reminds me that resurrection follows death. Even though I experience challenging seasons in my life, light always shines at the end of the darkest night.

We need to seek and savor the sweet smells of blessing in our life today. Trials will come, and when they do, we need to remember all the ways He loves and blesses us. When the cold and the darkness of winter visits our heart, we need to recall the warmth of His light and cling to His faithfulness. Spring follows winter; joy comes with the morning light.

How can you remember His love today?