Rejoice in His Goodness

June 2, 2008

By Dorothy Rugg

“My beloved speaks and says to me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing [of birds] has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land” (Song of Solomon 2:10-12, Amplified).

This time of the year always seems so bright with hope and new life. I look out my window and see the magnificent colors — the different shades of blue in the sky; the trees in bloom; the many shades of green that outline the hills around me; the vibrant yellow of the forsythia and daffodils; the red, yellow, purple, pink and white tulips and hyacinths. I open the window and smell the freshness of the dew and hear the call of the birds.

Once again I am reminded of God’s love for me. The Heavenly Father is my Beloved and He calls out to me and says, “See, I have been with you through winter’s storms. I have brought you through, and you have survived.”

Sometimes the “winter” in our life seems so long — a trial we face, loneliness we feel, struggles of daily life, unending bills, sickness that weakens us or comes to those we love, the death of someone dear. We may be tempted to say, “God, how come?” or “God, where are You?” We may be tempted to get angry or even forsake our walk of faith.

But our Heavenly Father waits with outstretched arms for us to run to Him. He calls to us. He says our weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). We see things dimly. He sees things clearly and He knows all. We need can rest in His promises and trust in His Word. He said He would never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Take delight in the One who holds all things in His hand. Take delight in knowing He will strengthen you and carry you through. Rest in His arms and rejoice in His goodness.

— James and Dorothy Rugg pastor Mill City AG in Dalton, Pa.