Spring Glory

 Biblical Thoughts Inspired by Nature

Wildflowers

Life is short

Spring is undoubtedly the most beautiful and most colourful season in Cyprus. Bright blooms appear in unexpected places throughout the island, for example, on the uncultivated land in Paphos Archaeological Park pictured above.

The flowers appear in season, but it is not long until their glory fades and they wither away. Such is the human story; the gift of the longest life on earth is only a drop in eternity’s ocean!

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12, NKJV)

Paphos Lighthouse

God is sovereign

The brilliant blue sky in Cyprus is most welcome after an unusually prolonged winter of grey and cloudy skies. Looking heavenwards inspires thoughts of God’s majesty and sovereignty. His realm is open and receptive to our prayers as we seek His guidance for our spiritual path. 

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9, NKJV)

God will help

Windy days are still common in spring. The sea can be choppy with powerful waves crashing on the rocks. Pockets of vibrant crown daisies are abundant, fluttering in the wind as they reflect the sun’s golden rays.

There are times we may feel like the crown daisies, which sway unprotected in the stormy breeze. We are not, however, left to face the winds of trial on our own. God holds His people in His right hand and promises to help in times of need. 

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13, NKJV)

God is with us during our sojourn on earth to give us wisdom, guidance and help. At times He may appear not to answer our prayers, but His silence is not an expression of indifference. His plans for our lives are infinitely higher than we can ever imagine. 

I PRAYED FOR …

I prayed for strength, and then I lost awhile
All sense of nearness, human and divine;
The love I leaned on failed and pierced my heart,
The hands I clung to loosed themselves from mine;
But while I swayed, weak, trembling, and alone,
The everlasting arms upheld my own.

I prayed for light; the sun went down in clouds,
The moon was darkened by a misty doubt,
The stars of heaven were dimmed by earthly fears,
And all my little candle flames burned out;
But while I sat in shadow, wrapped in night,
The face of Christ made all the darkness bright.

I prayed for peace, and dreamed of restful ease,
A slumber free from pain, a hushed repose;
Above my head the skies were black with storm,
And fiercer grew the onslaught of my foes;
But while the battle raged, and wild winds blew,
I heard His voice and perfect peace I knew.

I thank Thee, Lord, Thou art too kind to heed
My feeble prayers, and answer as I sought,
Since these rich gifts Thy bounty has bestowed
Have brought me more than I have asked or thought.
Giver of good, so answer each request
With Thine own giving, better than my best.

Annie Johnson Flint