Scripture for Today: Isaiah 35:1-2a “The desert and the parched land will be glad. The wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom. It will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.”

I cannot help but smile when I see these sweet crocuses.  They are usually the first burst of color to be seen in a barren winter landscape.  They herald the coming of spring, giving just a glimpse of the riotous color to follow.  For me, they represent hope of a verdant and colorful season just around the corner.  Often, they seem to just pop up overnight.

Today’s verse uses the image of the crocus to picture the joy of God’s redeemed people.  The desert of their distress and persecution will be transformed into joyful springs of water.  There will be a day when God will move on their behalf, coming with vengeance and salvation (verse 4).  Every wrong will be made right.  There will be singing, shouting, gladness and everlasting joy for the redeemed.  There will be complete healing and protection.  Sorrow and sighing will be no more!

What an incredible future awaits me!  And this joy can be lived in part now as I look forward to that day.  That small sweet crocus is a promise of so much more to come.  Its appearance reminds me that all is not bleak and barren in life.  A different season is surely coming.  All will be transformed in the blink of an eye.  At that point, there will be no containing my bursting joy!  But for now, it is so easy to look around at everything sad and negative in my life and become discouraged.  I have a choice however.  Instead I am going to look for that small crocus flower today!

Thank you Lord, that incredible joy is my future!