According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope. – 1 Peter 1:3
Spring is on its way. After a winter filled with many challenges, spring is like a new birth. Perhaps the Lord had this in mind when He designed the seasons — to remind the world that after the darkness and trials of winter, a joyful life awaits. This is illustrated in many ways in the Scripture.
When prophets such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and even Jeremiah (who showed clear signs of depression) prophesied God’s punishment to Israel for not obeying God, they also foretold the good things that God prepared for His people. The Scripture tells us that Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Paul endured many afflictions preaching the gospel for the hope of Heaven and sharing the new life with anyone who would listen (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Christian life is a new life. Darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9). Despair to hope (Ephesians 12:2-3). Forgiveness, not guilt (Romans 8:1). Walking in the Spirit and not in flesh (Romans 8:6). No longer orphans (John 14:18). Needs met (Philippians 4:19). Prayers answered (John 14:14). The promise of eternal life (John 3:16). As Psalm 40:3 says, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
As you anticipate spring, ask God to reveal your thoughts that may be more aligned with winter – darkness, despair, etc. – and ask Him to help you meditate on springlike thoughts: light, life, victory in Jesus. Pray for this country to turn around, that God would bring it out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 5:7-11
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
