Walking In the “Not Yet”

To me, mid-March is a perfect times for Lent. Just as we walk through the wilderness with Jesus, we walk through the drab, brown and gray remains of winter. We know that the resurrection is coming, and we know that soon it will be time to break ground and plant seeds. We rejoice that it will be here soon, but we ache because we can’t see it today.

So what do we do as we walk through the “not yet?” I have wondered that very thing in recent mornings, as I walk our dog. I search for those first splashes of color among last November’s dried leaves and brown grass.

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.” James 5:7 (NASB)

Waiting — derived from the Greek word meaning “expectation” — is a common theme in the Bible as it is in life. I’ve seen spring every year before this year, yet something in me will not rest until I see that flower bud poking through the ground. Like the Psalmist says:

“I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.” Psalm 139:5 (NASB)

Oh, how he waits. The repetition of the word “wait” in this verse highlights the intensity of this longing and expectation. Look at another translation of the same verse:

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 139:5 (NIV)

With his whole being, he waits. We do the same. Will my health recover? Will my loved one recover from addiction? Will I get that job? Will someone love me? Our whole being waits.

And hopes!

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 (NIV)

“And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:23 (ESV).

We know we can rely on Him. We anticipate that morning of resurrection. We go deeper into our faith as our “soul does wait.” And just as those first crocuses surprise us every spring, we will jump for joy at the news that “He is risen!” (Matthew 28:6, KJV)

Evidence of Things Not Seen

It’s snowing. Again. In January we thought we had skipped winter as we enjoyed sunny, 50-degree days. As the sun rose higher and daylight hours increased, the first buds emerged on our fruit trees. But less than a month before spring, it’s a different story. Most of February has been snowy, cold and gray. It certainly doesn’t look like spring is just around the corner.

I have to remind myself that cold weather is a necessity for fruit trees, and that deep roots store nourishment and keep plants going under all that snow. 

It’s like that with so many things that we hope for, isn’t it? Whether it's spring, improved health, or reconciliation with an estranged friend, we hope for and look forward to things we cannot see.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

We know that God is faithful.

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

I hope that this blog can be a place of refreshment and remembrance of God's faithfulness. Let's look closely and recognize the hope and joy that we have while we wait. Like those apple tree buds that stay in spite of a late snow.

Or the pint-size snowman I built for our dog today.

As simple as the first sips of coffee in the morning. 

Hope you'll visit and comment often!