Downpours and Daffodils

“There are rare and wonderful species of joy that flourish only in the rainy atmosphere of suffering.” - John Piper

The old saying goes, “ April showers bring May flowers.”The rainy misery of April eventually gives way to the springtime beauty of May.

Even though the arrival of springtime varies from place to place and year to year, the principle of renewed hope remains unchanged. Rain only last so long, and then the sun comes out and with it the flowering of joy and gladness. May always follows April.

Isaiah’s final chapters resound with hope. Although he predicts ‘rain’ in the early chapters of his book, he prophesies the hope of ‘springtime’ in the end. Speaking of those who are suffering with pain, loss, and grief, his message is simply, “ to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3).

This world is full of April showers. Life is not easy and does not always turn out the way we hope. But May flowers always follow April showers. God is in the business of springtime. Out of the cold, dreary, blustery, rainstorms of April comes the sunshine of May. And with it, the hope of beauty, gladness, and praise.