There are a number of religions that celebrate the arrival of spring. Of course, in Christianity, Easter takes place during springtime each year and represents the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Similarly to Easter, springtime is about new life and new beginnings.
Spring is a season of renewal. As the winter snow melts, the days grow longer, and the sun warms the earth the feeling of fresh beginnings is natural. Many seeds are planted in the throes of adversity. Regardless of the trials and tribulations that we have faced or what our specific sins are, we can be assured that God will help new and beautiful things to grow.
During the coming months, it’s important that we praise God, our creator, and sustainer. It’s a wonderful time to renew your commitment to God, rekindle the love for those who are close to you, and practice gratitude. While spring does not officially mark the arrival of sunshine or lushness, you may begin to hear the songs of birds and see the first flowers of the season begin to bloom. Furthermore, it’s important that we do not forget to praise him for the things that we often find ourselves complaining about during spring.
While it can be daunting to sit inside when it rains and then have to mow the grass afterward, it’s something that we should all be grateful for. Remember to praise him for the rain that falls and the grass that grows. After the rain, the flowers come and you cannot look forward to the arrival of one of nature’s most beautiful attributes without thanking Him for making it possible.
The spirit of spring offers many opportunities to practice gratitude. There are a plethora of benefits that come from placing awareness on the things that you are grateful for. Take the time each day to seek His grace and find strength in His presence. Reflect on what it means to be born of the Spirit, to walk by the Spirit, and be baptized and filled with the Spirit.
After Easter, it’s important to continue finding ways to live in His image, seek His guidance, and take the time to stop and give thanks for all of the abundance that God blesses us with this season.
“For I will pour water on the thirsty and, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams.” (Isaiah 44:3-4)
This blog was originally published on Mark Smith CIU’s website.