Longing for Spring
Your Nightly Prayer for Mar. 20, 2025
By Sophia Bricker
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:30-31
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Most years, I enjoy winter. The place where I live does not often experience snow, so when a stray flurry comes, I savor the sight. And for someone who is not a fan of insects, I appreciate the blessed few months without the swarm of gnats or the fear of being stung by a wasp. But this year is different. For the first time in many years, I look forward to the coming of spring. The tendrils of flowers poking through the dirt. Warmer temperatures that do not leave me scrambling for a sweater. Bare tree limbs being enlivened again with coverings of green. Then again, maybe the longing for spring is just an expression of an inner ache, the belief that if I see new life springing from the hard ground, my life will not seem as bleak as it does now. Perhaps what I truly long for is hope.
Isaiah also described those in need of hope – like young people who had grown weary and tired to the point they had no more strength to keep going. Usually, we equate youth with vigor, an endless supply of energy to keep striving and moving forward. Yet, even for those in the prime of their lives, situations and problems can dampen their spirit. That is when we most need to wait on the Lord and put our hope in Him, for He will enliven us once again and give us the strength to keep traveling this journey called life. Strength comes when we depend on Him.
Isn’t that the essence of faith? To put our hope in Him regardless of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). In many ways, it is like longing for spring – we have the confidence that it will come even though the air is still cold and no flowers yet bloom in the garden. Faith buoys us to dig, buy seeds, and prepare for the next season. Our faith in God gives us new strength to keep working and walking in obedience, a refreshment that comes from Him alone.
So, for those like me experiencing a winter season of the soul, know that spring is coming. Even if we do not see it now or in the years to come, the ultimate spring of new life will arrive when Jesus returns to bring renewal. But even now, there is hope. Lean into the loving arms of the Savior and receive fresh strength in Him. As you do, you may soon find that your words mirror David’s: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Great Shepherd, I feel like I am trapped in a frozen land devoid of life and hope. Lead me to the quiet waters of Your presence so I may be refreshed in You and find strength for the journey ahead. Until then, Lord, I will rest in Your gentle embrace as You carry me, trusting in Your promise that better pastureland lies ahead. May I declare my hope in You despite the bleakness I currently see. Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. An aspect of winter or spring that gives you hope. Why does it make you feel hopeful?
2. A time when the Lord refreshed you (such as through His Word, a discussion with another believer, a song, etc.). How can that memory spur on your faith today?
3. Birds flying or people running. What do those images evoke, and in what ways can they encourage you to find renewed strength in the Lord?
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/piyaset
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