Groundhog Day
A devotional to kick off your week
“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth.”
Song of Songs 2:11–12
Every year on this day, many people in the United States watch to see if a beloved groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow. If he does, folklore says there’ll be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, an early spring is on the way.
Granted, Phil’s track record is about fifty-fifty (which is good news since he did indeed see his shadow this morning), but this is a fun tradition dating back to the 1800s.
It addresses something we need. Is the sun coming out? Is relief on the way? Is winter finally over?
Faith that survives hopes for winter to end.
Winter has its divine purposes both physically and spiritually. But after several cold months, many who live far north of the equator are ready to see it go.
We crave sun. We crave spring with its life and beauty. The feeling is innate, straight from the garden of Eden.
Made in God’s image, we long for starts and new beginnings. God didn’t design us to be in winter forever. He, too, wants to see us grow.
If you’re in a long stretch of winter and facing difficult times, don’t give up hope. Winter will come to an end. Pray to God for spring and trust that it’s coming.
Breath Prayer
Inhale: Bring an end…
Exhale: … to my winter.
Last Wednesday, I slipped on the ice and broke three ribs. Now Carolyn won’t let me go outside until the snow melts and/or my ribs heal. So I am looking to God for a warm road to escape.
Note. I invite you to read BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS THROUGH BROKEN RIBS, my description of how God has used this minor calamity to my ultimate good.