Daily Devotional

As a person who grew up in the Midwest, where winter lasted from November through April; temperatures often dropped below zero, trees were leafless, grass was dead, and the skies were definitely cloudy all day, I have had to learn to appreciate springtime in California. The grass dies in the summer, starts to turn green in the rainy season of winter, and really gets green in the springtime. The leaves start to bud, and flowers start to bloom. And it starts to warm up from the chili winter lows of 35 degrees to a balmy lows of 60 degrees. I love California springtime.

I love sleeping with the bedroom window open, feeling the cool, fresh breezes blowing on me throughout the evening. As that fresh air invades the valley each spring, I start to have a spring in my step, I feel healthier, my face gets some color, and my energy increases. Something about spring points to new life. The sound of male mourning doves cooing on our back fence trying to attract a mate. And once he does, remaining monogamous for life.

And as I enjoy the warm sunshine and the fresh air, I can’t help but lift my face to the heavens and thank Jesus for the smile He gave me in His wonderful creation. That’s why I love Isaiah 42:10–12. It draws a picture of praise to God. I can almost hear it. Declaring how amazing our God is. He is the Ancient of Days, the Alpha and Omega, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. I don’t know the future, but I know the One who does. And I know that He will make all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Knowing that He who began a good work in me will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

Imagine living in Old Testament times, where you had the hope of a Messiah promised, but you didn’t know His name. Jesus had not yet been born to this earth. He had not lived, ministered, died on the cross, risen from the dead, and ascended back to heaven. You had the hope of the Messiah, but you didn’t know His name. But as New Testament Christians we have the joy of knowing God through His Son, the Lord Jesus.

If you are living in the deadness and cold of winter; if springlike praise has faded from your heart, why not pray and ask Jesus to refresh your spirit today. Turn to Him anew. Ask Him to make Himself real in your heart once again. And praise Him with springlike praise even now.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation