What a Spring

“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.  The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.  Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!  The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.  There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God”   (Isaiah 35:1,2 NLT).

   That will be an amazing sight.  I am eager to see the glory and splendor of our God.  I’m pretty excited by the spring times we have now on earth.  It’s such a joyous time of year with new growth shouting forth wherever we look.  There’s an old nonsense poem that I like to quote this time of year:

          “Spring has sprung, the grass is rizz.

          I wonder where all the posies izz.”

In my front yard is where they izz as you can see from the picture above.   

   We like to drive through Saguaro National Park in springtime.  The Saguaros show off with bright white flowers, the colorful cholla, and the prickly pear are joined by the brilliant red flowers of the ocotillo along the drive and the trails of Saguaro NP.  Years that have strong winter monsoons reward the Saguaro NP traveler with carpets of poppies and yellow brittlebush.  Come join us in Tucson during these early weeks of spring and enjoy the warm weather, the bright blue skies, and the surprising variety of wild flowers the desert brings forth. 

   Spring brings out the desire to get out in God’s beautiful creation wherever we live.   It’s a time of travel.  For most of us it’s local travel with maybe a night or two away.  But some may take extended tours of faraway places.  For those who travel, no matter the distance, God’s Word provides evidence of His watchful eye for our protection.

          Psalm 139:9,10 – “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”  (NIV)

          Philippians 4:6,7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.    And the peace which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (NIV)

          Psalm 91:11,12 – “For he will command the angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”  (NIV)

          Psalm 121:7,8 – “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 forever more.”  (NIV)

   Enjoy this springtime while we wait for the glorious spring of Isaiah 35.