April showers bring May flowers. Most people are familiar with this saying. The month of May is filled with the sounds of birds, the smell of fresh flowers and summer breezes from time to time. The month marks the beginning of the end of spring and the preparations for summer. School age children are anticipating graduations, summer vacation, and parents are planning for family getaways after being inside during the
cold winter months.

May also marks the fifth month of the year. It is the time when life, activities, and nature begin to flourish and multiply. This is also significant from a biblical perspective. The number five means grace, favor, or blessing. It also can mean increase, balance and divine appointment. I do not have enough space
to delve fully into all the meanings. However, in Genesis 1: 20-22 on day five of creation, after God finished speaking forth the great creatures of the seas and every winged fowl, He says, “Be fruitful and multiply.”

The first mention of the number five in the Bible deals with fruitfulness and increase. And because it is the first mention of the number, one could conclude it suggests that the number five will carry some relevance to grace, favor, fruitfulness and increase throughout the rest of the Bible. If this piques your
interest, please seek me out. I would enjoy exploring this more with you.

I say that as a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things and times, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable results. “April showers bring May flowers” is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: there has never been a wind that did not change directions on clouds that hang around forever, and April showers bring May flowers. Beyond the deluge is the joy of meaning, purpose, and favor-filled results.