Tulips

"But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." -Psalm 33:18-22

My absolute favorite flower in the entire world is the tulip. Not only do I think tulips are pretty flowers, but they are also happy flowers- I love them! One of the fantastic facts about tulips is that they require a cold, dry season in order to cultivate and blossom in the spring. The cold actually refines the flower.

Sometimes I feel like I'm walking on a treadmill, becoming exhausted but going nowhere. It's just one of those times where my responsibilities, relationships, and sin simply bog me down in a constant battle to remain pure in my motives, thoughts, and actions. But the great thing is--- there's a light at the end of the tunnel!! That light is the radiant brilliance of Jesus Christ!

In the same way as tulips go through the cold, aren't we rejuvinated after a dry period in our lives? Are we not refined through the fire? God will test our patience, trust, and self-control. Once tested and put through the fire, we are refined and become better disciples because of it. After going through a cold, dry spell, we blossom. Isn't that great to know?!

So, in true Psalm 33 fashion, continue to fear the Lord, put your hope and trust in His holy name, and rejoice in His unfailing Love... even when you can't seem to "see the light." God is simply forming you into a blossoming flower, a beautiful human display of His magnificent grace :)