And the desert shall bloom

We all have parched times in our lives.  Some years ago, my wife asked me what the sermon was on.  I told her it was about the dry soul seeking for God.  She said, "again???"  Evidently there were lots of sermons about searching for God back in the day.

We all feel dry from time to time.  Seeing the desert last week reminded me that there is beauty and blooming even in the dry places.

Flowers on top of Saguaro 

Cactus flowers bring seeds and new babies.

Choyas are in constant bloom

prickly paddle leaf cactus

Even the prickly cactus make beautiful flowers.

Isaiah 35:1-4

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
the splendor of our God.

3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come

Friend, if you find yourself in a dry time, do not despair.  Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.  Every death brings a resurrection.  Every valley gives way to the next mountain top.

There are flowers in the desert.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.