After nearly 3 years of very consistent blog posts, I've had writer's block in the recent months. (Sure, there's plenty to write about-- In the recent weeks, we've happily used the term boyfriend in our house for the first time since becoming parents!) Surprisingly, my last post was in the heart of winter and now spring is fully under way in Texas. My goal in writing has always been to offer encouragement as I lift my gaze to Christ's goodness. In the midst of all circumstances, including great joy and deep sorrow, the Lord's faithfulness has been my comfort. Lately, I've been discouraged and have not had the motivation, desire or words to fit with this purpose for writing. The dreary and colorless winter days have been reflected in my dull attitude and this idle blog. However, in the recent weeks, the smallest signs of life formed throughout the neighborhood. Just last week, I took photos of many trees covered in tiny buds and I was struck by these miniature symbols of hope. When facing a dark providence, as many of our loved ones are, the smallest bit of hope reminds us of God's steadfast love and His promise to never leave us or forsake us, even as we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death".
As the landscape turns increasingly green with living things in full bloom, Christians all over the world celebrate Easter. You can taste a growing sense of hope as believers greet each other with "He is risen."...."He is risen indeed!" The power of the resurrection can be perceived as more effective during certain seasons of the church calendar. I will admit to being fully encouraged by this reminder of the Lord's sufficient work on my behalf. My prayers are more earnest as I reflect on the fact that Christ is alive and reigning.
Good Friday was the darkest day in history, unlike the most dreary of winter days, as our Lord suffered unimaginable torture while being forsaken by His father. However, through His crucifixion, death and burial, a most hopeless narrative, He defeated sin and death for the sinful souls of mankind. As reformed Presbyterians, we don't emphasize the church calendar, the "holy days", because we celebrate the resurrection every Lord's day. Every Sunday is Easter Sunday in our church, yet the power of the resurrection becomes distant and seemingly impotent as we settle into our weekly Sunday routines. The reality that Christ is alive and ruling in heaven should fuel my prayers and encourage my soul no matter the season or Christian holiday. Almost twenty-seven years ago, a tiny seed of faith and new life sprouted up in my soul. Since then, through seasons of doubt, discouragement, hope and renewal, He has been faithful to nourish and grow my faith in Him.
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
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