For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11

I love spring! Since I live an hour southwest of Chicago, we experience all the seasons, but my favorite has always been spring. I can tell spring is around the corner not just by the calendar, but also by the birds chirping, the warm wind, and the tulip leaves pushing their way through the hard dirt. All around me the earth is shouting: a fresh start, a new life, a new beginning, and an optimistic view. My winter blues dissipate with each added minute of sunshine and upward degree. I feel lighter, and my energy increases as winter bids farewell and spring says hello. My entire perspective changes. It is similar to how my view changes when I praise the Lord. Each time I am depressed, discouraged, or down in the dumps, I have an opportunity to worship God. When I chose this route rather than self-pity, my perspective improves. My faith increases as I begin to acknowledge that God is not surprised by my circumstances, and He is aware of what I am feeling and experiencing. As I trust in Him, I am able to move to a spring-like attitude, full of hope in God that flowers will bloom out of trying situations. My trials are the dirt for the flowers to bloom.
Lord, remind me to praise You. Amen.