Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
A few winters ago, I was blessed to travel out of the frigid temperatures, snow and ice to a much more temperate, wonderful climate.
The foliage of Jamaica is absolutely beautiful! On my first day, I simply sat on our room balcony, gazing endlessly at the various shades of green. A color my inner being needed to see and experience at this point in the winter. And the size of some of those green leaves, we just don’t have such large plants in Ohio!
I drank in the beauty of the huge hyacinth and elegant orchid blossoms, almost overwhelmed at such color. While I winter my tropical plants under a grow light in my basement, my home cannot completely mimic the environment required for these plants to flourish. I have received a few lovely blossoms this winter, but nothing the size of what I saw in Jamaica.
I think Christians are the same. Put a Christian in harsh conditions, take away time from the Son, and we are likely to lose a number of blooms at best, or wither up and die at worst.
None of us is living in paradise (yet!) So, we must especially care for ourselves: spending regular time with the Son, feeding ourselves regularly from God’s word, and allowing God to support and prune us as necessary.
And just like the Ohio winters, harsh conditions don’t last forever. Spring does eventually return, and with those longer, warmer days, even more opportunity to enjoy God’s refreshing of the earth, and our souls.
What is my personal formula for staying spiritually fit?
Even when I can’t see the Son, do I trust
Prayer: Thank You Father, that even in periods of harsh weather, You have not disappeared from my life. I need to patiently wait, believing You will carry me through the ‘winter’ and will grow me so my faith will produce beautiful blossoms and much fruit. Thank You for fulfilling Your promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.