Blooming
This fresh set of Daily Devotions is being provided for our LCA/NZ family, friends and visitors to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the LCA/NZ’s Church@Home resources to encourage us and build trust in our Heavenly Father during this season of uncertainty and physical isolation.
by Darren Pope
Click here for your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. It will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy’ (Isaiah 35:1–2).
Selfie sticks, picnic blankets and yummy snacks are standard equipment for the thousands of people who usually flock to Japan during spring. Emerging from slumber, a unique visual feast flourishes as Japanese cherry trees explode into a purple profusion and blossom en masse. Japanese families celebrate, attend cherry blossom festivals or simply enjoy hanami, the tradition of viewing and relishing the stunning simplicity of sakura, the cherry blossom. Long adored by people across the globe, this spectacular floral tapestry is regarded as a symbol of renewal, vitality, beauty and hope.
Chilly mornings and shorter days in the Southern Hemisphere mean we aren’t embracing the beauty of spring blooms right now. Changing the seasonal quilt and wardrobe over helps us to prepare for a barren winter, snuggled up in a season of reflection, awaiting renewal, like Christ (Luke 4:1–2) preparing for his resurrection.
Jacaranda trees will soon wake from their wintery hiatus. The hills, parks and waterfronts will blossom, bursting into a symphony of splendiferous spring colour. Their purple majesty is spectacular and vibrant, bringing the assurance that life has come again – just as Jesus rose to new life! Dormant amid our season of stillness, we quietly anticipate the promise of vibrant spring colours yet to be unfurled. We lift our eyes to a future filled with hope, grace and peace. It’s coming!
In Christ, we are blooming.
Lord of life. Thank you for the gift of your love each day. You have planted us to grow and serve with purpose. Help us to remain firmly rooted in hope through your resurrection. Help us be patient in these days as we await renewal. Help us to blossom and bloom. Amen.
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