Encouragement for the Month of February

“‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’

“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

Revelation 22:17-21

February can be a bleak month, especially up here in the Midwest. Everything is gray, or white, or brown, or a shade of one of those three colors. I’m thankful for the evergreens, which retain their summer hues year-round. They add some color to an otherwise monotone landscape.

When the sun shines, however, the snow transforms from dingy white to an array of sparkles, like the glittering of stars or the twinkling of lights on a Christmas tree. This brings to my mind what 1 Corinthians 15 says about Jesus’ return: “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed.” (vv. 51-52)

The winter will pass. In the meantime, just like our sojourning here on earth, we can find and celebrate the beauty in the world God made. God gives us good work to do for his glory, even when snow covers the ground, frogs lie curled up under the ice, and the whole world seems to be asleep. I pray that God will give you the energy you need to accomplish whatever tasks he’s given you to do. I pray that you’ll find rest and peace in Jesus. I pray that you’ll find a moment or two to curl up under a blanket and enjoy a book and a mug of hot chocolate–a few of the comforts we can really relish in the midst of a Midwest winter.

Come, Lord Jesus!