# Waiting for Spring explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem uses the changing seasons as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers, who experience winters of affliction but are assured of the spring of renewal through God's promises and grace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Affliction

Believers experience spiritual winters that test and refine them.

### Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life

The certainty of spring symbolizes the hope of renewal and eternal life.

## Character check-ins

### The Lord

Addressed as the one who can bring spiritual spring and renewal.

### The Narrator

Speaks for believers, acknowledging their long winter and longing for revival.

## Key lines

> Though cloudy skies and northern blasts Retard the gentle spring awhile, The sun will conq'ror prove at last, And nature wear a vernal smile.

Although difficult times may delay the arrival of better days, ultimately joy and renewal will prevail.

_The poem opens with the assurance that trials are temporary and will give way to blessing._

> Such changes are for us decreed; Believers have their winters too; But spring shall certainly succeed, And all their former life renew.

Just as the seasons change, believers experience spiritual hardships, but they are guaranteed a season of renewal.

_This stanza directly applies the seasonal metaphor to the spiritual journey._

> Winter and spring have each their use, And each in turn his people know; One kills the weeds their hearts produce, The other makes their graces grow.

Both hardship and blessing serve a purpose in the believer's life: hardship removes sin, and blessing cultivates virtue.

_The poem emphasizes the purposeful nature of both trials and blessings._

> Dear Lord, afford our souls a spring, Thou know'st our winter has been long: Shine forth, and warm our hearts to sing, And thy rich grace shall be our song.

Lord, please bring revival to our souls, for we have suffered long; let your presence bring joy and praise.

_The poem concludes with a prayer for spiritual renewal and gratitude for grace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/31-waiting-for-spring
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters