New Beginnings
Throughout the winter flower bulbs lay dormant, deciduous trees have no leaves, and the promise of vegetables lies hidden in seed packets. But then Spring appears, flowers bloom, the rain is gone, and the singing of birds has come.
As Christians, we often focus on the challenges of winter in our lives. We forget the promise of Spring in God's blessings. One night, Mrs. White dreamed she and a friend were walking through a lovely garden. During the walk, the friend kept pointing out the weeds and thorns beside the path. Their Guide spoke, saying to Ellen White, “do not wander off the path among the thorns and thistles. Admire the lilies and pinks instead.”
Ellen later wrote to her friend observing, “haven't there been some bright spots in your life? Think about the blessings of God.”
Mrs. White's own life was often hard. She admitted that daily she fought discouragement. However, a sterling comment she made would serve each of us well to memorize.
“Every morning I rejoice in Him. I know I have committed the keeping of my soul to Him as unto a faithful Creator, and I know He has never failed me. If you place your trust in Him, the Lord will also give to every one of you His strength, His grace, His Salvation.”
Perhaps Ellen White's inspiration for this statement came from the Psalms:
“Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning for in thee do I trust,
Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto thee.”
Psalm 143:8
