For most of us, March marks the return of spring, and with it, new vegetation, multiple shades of green, milder temperatures, and bright blue skies. Yet March is a month known for its changeability. Sometimes, within just a few hours, spring-like weather morphs into strong, biting winds, severe storms, or a sudden return to frigid temperatures. Even though the calendar says spring, March still has the potential to be a brutal month.
Perhaps you are currently experiencing a “March” season of life, a time when you’re buffeted by unexpected changes, discouraged by recurring storms in some area of your life, or struggling to maintain forward motion against what feels like insurmountable challenges. While positives exist, sometimes it’s not enough to help you see beyond your current situation.
Even if you are depressed and downhearted by a March season of life, be encouraged by these thoughts:
Anxiety is Worse than Reality
Do you know someone who lives in fear and dread of what is going to happen next? Or people who worry about situations and potential difficulties that are far removed from them and over which they have no influence?
Fear and anxiety are unhappy conjoined twins that wrap around your heart and mind, creating dread and painting worst-case scenarios. It’s typical of our humanness to see negatives rather than positives. We must train ourselves to focus on potential good rather than what might happen, and trust that the “Marchness” in our lives will resolve.
Hope Exists
More than thirty years ago, on a bright spring day, I received news of my father’s cancer diagnosis. In the days that followed, it was hard to grasp the extent of the diagnosis and the short life expectancy associated with it. Yet, despite the inevitable, I had a calm assurance that sustained me for the next five months and never caused me to lose hope in God’s faithfulness.
While enduring a sojourn in a March season of life, be encouraged by the beauty of nature. Listen to the uplifting sound of birdsong. Relish the reappearance of multiple hues of green following the dull gray landscape of winter. Cherish the days of warmth. Watch with anticipation for the budding of trees, shrubs, and flowers. The resurgence of nature reminds us that hope exists despite our own seemingly barren personal circumstances. Just as spring renews the earth, so hope provides renewal for our hearts and minds and courage for the tasks ahead.
Seasons Change
The adage regarding March: “In like a lion, out like a lamb,” is often true. The same applies to our lives.
When you face a season of difficulty, remember circumstances change, sometimes overnight. Even when there seems to be no way, God can cause things to fall into place which you never imagined could happen.
Current world events appear poised to catapult many into war. Amid bombings, sanctions, threats, and negotiations it’s hard to imagine a peaceful and swift end to conflict is possible. But with God nothing is impossible.
God is Faithful
God doesn’t abandon us when we go through difficulties. He is a faithful, loving, and compassionate Father, interested and aware of all the issues that concern us.
The same God who created the earth and heavens and causes the seasons to change cares for you and yours. He is in control, even when it feels like everything in your life is spiraling downward.
Trust God to strengthen and help you through this March season of life. He is available. Tell him your needs and wait patiently for him to act on your behalf.
“[God] changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21 ESV).
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Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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