Spring can be refreshment, but also weariness and pain. Bronlynn shares what gives her fresh hope.
“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11).
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. . .
No, I’m not referring to A Tale of Two Cities. I’m referring to the season of spring as it affects me.
Spring is a beautiful time of the year and a vivid reminder of the new life that God brings to all of creation. The grass is greening, the trees are budding, the flowers are blooming, and the birds are singing.
Spring is also my most painful time of the year and a vivid reminder of my chronic health issues. My bones are hurting, my pain is escalating, my exhaustion is overwhelming, and my depression is debilitating.
My mobility is challenged by increased stiffness and back pain. Regardless of what I do or don’t do, I am tired all the time. And the spring rains are a reminder of the depression that showers me with discouragement, discontent, insecurity, and self-absorption.
One of my favorite songs is “Bones” by Hillsong United: “You can take my dry bones. Breathe life into this skin. You call me by name. Raised me to life again. Oh Jesus, alive in me.”
If Jesus is alive in me, despite the morning stiffness and pain, I can sing words of praise (Psalm 34:1). When exhaustion and discouragement come, I can find strength in the Lord my God as David did (I Samuel 30:6). When depression tries to rob me of my joy, I can think on what is true (Philippians 4:8).
Yes, there are hard days, weeks, months, seasons, years. But just as Jesus was raised to life, He raises me to life, not only eternally but daily. That is my hope, my strength, my joy, and my victory. Jesus–alive in me–now and always.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as Your child, I praise You and thank You that Your Spirit lives within me. Breathe new life into me today, filling me with hope and power, so that I can face whatever challenges may come. Amen.
About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in North Carolina and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband, three daughters, and their husbands. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and continue to sustain her through ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, multiple sensitivities, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at http://www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
On difficult days when you are tempted to lose hope, how can you focus on the truth that Jesus is alive in you? How would that truth affect your day in positive ways?
This is the song that Bronlynn mentioned above–“Bones” by Hillsong United. When there seems to be no reason for us to find peace, when we are just so tired of it all, when everything seems to be falling apart, God can still make something out of nothing in our lives. He takes us exactly as we are and make our heart feel again. I am counting on it. How about you? -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 