God’s Grace for Todayনমুনা

Hope Blossoms

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. -Isaiah 35:1

In the city of Philadelphia, when weedy vacant lots were cleaned up and brightened with beautiful flowers and trees, nearby residents also brightened in overall mental health. This proved especially true for those who struggled economically.

“There’s a growing body of evidence that green space can have an impact on mental health,” said Dr. Eugenia South, “and that’s particularly important for people living in poorer neighborhoods.” South, a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, is coauthor of a study on the subject.

The desperate people of Israel and Judah found fresh hope in the prophet Isaiah’s vision of their beautiful restoration by God. Amid all the doom and judgment Isaiah foretold, this bright promise took root: “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!” (Isaiah 35:1-2).

No matter our situation today, we too can rejoice in the beautiful ways our heavenly Father restores us with fresh hope, including through His creation. When we feel down, reflecting on His glory and splendor can help bolster us. “Strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees,” Isaiah encouraged (v. 3).

Can a few flowers rekindle our hope? A prophet said yes. So does our hope-giving God. Patricia Raybon

When you feel hopeless, how do you usually respond? How could spending time outdoors in God’s creation help transform your despair into renewed hope in God?

Dear God, thank You for Your amazing creation, pointing me to Your glory and reviving my hope in You.