As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

~Psalm 17:15

A spiritual truth connected with me between Esther and pansies.

 

 

 

The royal purple and stunning yellow faces peek around the mound of glistening snow in the center of my flowerpot. However, the greenhouse owner assured me the colorful pansies would sit through a chilly fall and snowy winter until sunny days returned. I notice their brightly colored heads turning gratefully to the sun. Displaying magnificently the promise of spring, my Rain Purple and Fizzy Lemon Berry varieties deny the cold white stuff in their midst and encourage me with their vivacious declaration of warmer days ahead.

Esther’s Story

The Bible story of Esther reads like those pansies. Esther’s bright spirit peeked around the cold edges of King Ahasuerus’ anger and Haman’s fury. In a kingdom gone mad with confusion and greed, she steadily sprouted godly wisdom. Hidden underneath mounds of impending doom, Esther’s presence as royal queen promised redemption and new life for her condemned people.

Although death threatened her people, the Jews, through the diabolical scheme of their enemy, Haman, Esther acted. She asked her beloved mentor and guardian, Mordecai to gather the Jews and fast for her. Then, she and her maidens would do likewise. Life stirred in Esther’s heart beneath the cold cruelty of Haman’s treacherous plan. Her inner beauty and wisdom melted the snow in King Ahasuerus’ heart, allowing her to rescue her people. Esther’s people bloomed with light and gladness.  They set aside a special day for feasting and gifts, which they celebrate even today.  

Spiritual Truth

Life reflects my pansies sometimes. I, too, struggle underneath the frigid weight of death, the arctic loss of a relationship, or the icy gusts of depression. I don’t feel the sunshine of Jesus’ presence, and I can’t see through the snowstorm. Surely, life stirs underneath the winter of my problems. God sows within me the warm intimate knowledge of Himself. Sonlit bright colors of His will push through the harshness of my circumstances and fill my days with His presence.

So, if you’re tired of the cold and snow, follow Esther. She focused on the smiling faces of the pansies that God had placed in her life. She planted the vibrant spring flowers of God’s provisions in her soul. Firmly entrenched in her spirit were royal blooms of God’s plan, peeking from underneath her brittle dead dreams. Miraculous pansies of hope beneath slushy snow in her aching heart blossomed as she trusted the King of the universe. Her inner beauty shined like glorious lilies in the field–as Jesus explained His parable in the New Testament.

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

~Luke 12:27

As I watch the pansies every day during icy winter months, the wind howls. During the snowstorm I observe their colorful faces turned upward in optimism, greeting me as I leave for work. Like Esther and the pansies, their tenacity and courage amaze me. They cling to the promise of spring, trusting in their Creator’s nourishing love. Following their example, I lift my face to the Son and enjoy the rays of His presence.

Can you describe a time when you froze in fear but still managed to focus on Jesus?

Dear Father, help me to remember the sunshine of your love when I sink deeply into life’s icy drifts. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Esther and Pansies: Marlene Houck: All Rights Reserved