When you need Hope to Spring Forth

She wears a pink straw hat and sits beside me. We stretch across the grassy terrain with a breeze at our back, fresh blades of green between our fingertips and the warm blaze of God’s Grace beams upon us both.

ApinkhatIt’s a new day, a new dawn, a new season. And all around is this message of HOPE. It’s a season of movement, of progress, of breakthrough.

Buds are bursting, branches are blooming, the barren is blossoming, the buried is rising and all that has been closed and concealed, is awakening with wonder.

ABuddingtree

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge (Psalm 19:1-2). 

And all around His handiwork confirms the Holy-work intended for my heart. Every part of creation pointing towards Truth, every part of me coming undone before You.

I step outside and take slow strides guiding little feet to solid ground. Each decent down the concrete, I lift my heart to the hills – a heavy whisper, “Please God, don’t let these situations cement a message that isn’t of Truth, isn’t from You.”

Reaching the bottom, (you can only go up from there), I spot something new blooming – overnight! “I didn’t know we had t-h-o-s-e!” It’s my first Spring here and in the delicate unraveling of Cherry Blossom Trees, I contemplate the craft and skill of my Creator’s signature – the meticulous and miraculous all displayed on that branch

Acherry2

Isaiah reminds me of that BranchIn that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing (Isaiah 4:2).

I inhale this moment – I’ve waited for it.

Acherry3

And Hope?

Hope is what we hold, when we’re in a holding place. It’s the anticipation that something Good and Glorious is on the way.  

And that Branch of hope – springing from the impossible, the invisible.

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit (Isaiah 11:1).

And for the heart that’s sojourned far and long, that hard hike next to hope deferred; here it is, this new thing, new season – now springing forth! A time of nourishing and flourishing.

When the desire comes, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12).

Acherry1

The scenery is changing, the backdrop of Winter fades behind vibrant brushstrokes of Spring. An array of colors begin to adorn the land with evidence that – life still exists.

Because winter can be harsh and it takes some faith to press beyond circumstances and perceive that below the surface of what meets the eye – life lives on! For we walk by faith, not by sight (II Cor. 5:7). 

It’s that faith cultivated in the quiet of Winter, which yields a crop that can’t be contained.

And it’s Resurrection season. . .

All is rising to rhythm of Spring. And there’s this beckoning, to break-free, break-through and emerge from the dust of yesterday’s disappointments – to sprout up, spring forth and believe that buried hope will awaken to the calling and coming of Spring.

For out of struggle rises strength, out of trial rises trust . . .

Out of that stump of Jesse – rose our Savior Jesus.

And out of an empty tomb – arose the gift of Eternal Life.

Celebrate this Spring, for it’s the promise of life brought to fruition!

Scripture for your heart:

Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing upthe season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air (Song of Sol. 2:11-12). 

How does Spring speak to you? Do have some buried hope you’re waiting on God to bring forth? 

Hopeof

{Linking this post in the welcoming home of KristinHillTaylor}.SignatureJLL

 

You are Welcome to Share this Story!!
Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail this to someone

11 Comments

  1. Jessica,
    I enjoying reading your expression of the hope that spring brings to God’s creation. The pictures are beautiful. Blessings!

  2. I love you’re stunning photos. Cherry blossoms are some of my favorites. I’m grateful for hope that blooms from God’s faithfulness. I enjoyed your Scripture choices for this post.

  3. Kristin Hill Taylor

    This is such a beautiful post. I love thinking about life rising up to the rhythm of spring that breaks forth after a cold, dreary winter. There’s so much symbolism here. Thanks for sharing this at #ThreeWordWednesday.

  4. “Out of struggle rises strength, out of trial rises trust.” Truth, friend. Hope has a way of lifting our hearts, and when that hope is in a God who promises to make all things new, our hearts rest secure in waiting. So glad to see you linking up at Kristen’s. I know you’ll be blessed by the sweet community. Hugs!

  5. Look forward to reading the posts as well. Your new journey with home and daughter growing up has truly inspired and I’m grateful to read. ‘His handiwork confirms the Holy-work intended for my heart’, ‘Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands’ and Isaiah 4:2…’And out of an empty tomb – arose the gift of Eternal life’ – very timely. God is good. I often look especially the last week coming up to Resurrection day, especially in nature, how God works. Thank you Jesus.

  6. Bonita Wildflower

    Your Words speak Life and are Soo Refreshing! Like the Fragrance of Lilac- My Favorite!

  7. Kimberly Whyte

    So wonderful!!!!

  8. Always eager to read your posts Jessica and I very much loved this one. A timely post that reflect spring and our Savior. Such beautiful, sweet writing.

    • Thank-you for your sweet encouragement Crystal. This season always causes me to breath deeper and draw closer to His message of Hope! And I have been very blessed by the gifts of God in you! Keep shining the Light and spreading HOPE!

  9. Beautiful! Love reading what the Lord has placed on your heart! ❤️

    • Thank-you Charity! Your words and friendship bless me! “May the God of HOPE fill you with all Joy and Peace as you Trust in him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Leave a Reply to Tiffany Parry Cancel reply