'Creation Speaks' by Alex Newenham
Last week, at the beginning of November, I was walking around the golf course where I work. Drawn to an area where I know daffodils bloom in spring, I was pleased and encouraged to see the tiniest of buds bursting out of the dark damp soil.
Diseased World
At this time of year, all around us, leaves are falling in wet, sodden mucky soil.
This decay brings serious 'disease pressure', where the climate and ground conditions all complain and put the grass and plants under pressure. Disease run's riot. Even nature seems to be feeling sorry for itself!
In many ways we've got our own 'disease pressure' at the moment. Work is different and children are adjusting to new routines. We can't even get a break from the mundane as we stay in and do the right thing. We can't meet up with friends or family. We can't go out and meet with our church family and enjoy that special time with each other. We are at breaking point.
Glorious Hope
Yet, in the harshest of conditions, in the bleakest of weather in the mucky, damp, cold soil we see Hope. Despite it's environment, despite the weather, the daffodils are bursting through the muck. Quietly at first, ringing the little bell that spring is on the way. Over the next couple of months the weather will get harsher, the days will get shorter and colder. But the daffodils will start standing taller, their voice will get stronger. Eventually their quiet whisper will become a deafening shout as they burst into flower for all to see.
As we start into another winter, this one possibly more difficult than most, let's remember the daffodil. It reminds us and teaches us to look to God.
The beauty of creation points us to the glory of God: 'The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands' (Psalm 19v1).
The changing seasons, the blooming daffodils in spring all teach us that there is design and order to life, a God who overseas all things: 'Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.' (Psalm 145:13-14)
Seeing the daffodil buds breaking through the murky undergrowth reminded me that in this disease infested world we have a glorious hope. We have one who is dependable and steadfast in love. Politics, people, Covid regulations whatever it is, they do not bring the stability we all seek. But as sure as night follows day, so daffodil blooms will follow buds. His creation shouts to declare his greatness. I need the hope of spring in these dark dreary days. But what I need more is the hope, the faithfulness and the trustworthiness of the Lord.
'The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.'
Psalms 145:17-19