Well, another Groundhog Day has come and gone. I have always been fascinated by this day, maybe partly because I love the movie with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. There is something whimsical about the idea that a groundhog can predict the weather. Will it be an early spring or a more prolonged winter?
Of course, a Groundhog can’t predict the weather with any actual accuracy. Nor can seeing the early blooms of flowers in our yard predict the upcoming weather. Neither can we rely on that one relative whose trick knee predicts when it will rain. Although the groundhog has predicted the weather correctly 39% of the time, it would be ridiculous to trust weather prediction by a rodent to the point that you put up all your winter clothes anticipating an early spring.
It would be wonderful if there were a way to know what the future holds, but that is not the case. Life is full of unexpected joyful surprises and devastating tragedies. Knowing this to be true in my life, that is why I find so much comfort in scripture. In every book of the Bible, God tells us that he is always with us and for us, with a deep love and a never-ending grace.
Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and corageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.”
Many more verses say precisely what these do- God is with us! Throughout my life, I have known this to be true. In the chaos, he has been my calm. In pain, he has been my comfort. In happy times, he has been my source of joyful praise. In confusion, his Word has been truth and shelter.
Not only is God with us, but Scripture tells us that when we have faith in him, we can live istrength and courage . When we believe what the Word tells us, we can be assured of the security he gives. Occasionally, a groundhog accurately predicts the weather, but the assurance of God’s presence is a source of awe and joy, constant and complete, dependable and reassuring.
FaithfullyRedeemedLife 