This past week we observed the first day of spring. There can be no doubt that spring is truly upon us – and this is mainly exemplified through the warmth of the sun that we have all been waiting for, and the passing of the dead of winter. If you look closely, you will see flowers such as tulips breaking forth through the ground, buds appearing on the trees and bushes, and the birds singing while they are preparing their nests to lay their eggs. And yet, many will miss “seeing” God’s wonderment unfolding before their very own eyes. Too often we allow ourselves to get so busy in our daily tasks that we miss the opportunity and the enjoyment of seeing how God cares for His creation.
You might now be asking, “Why is it important for me to take time to notice and to enjoy the signs and blessings of spring?” The answer is three-fold. First, spring should serve as a reminder that regardless of how harsh the winter was, God brings forth new life in the spring. This should also serve as a reminder to us that irrespective of how bleak and/or how harsh a trial is in our life, God’s mercy and grace always brings us a brighter tomorrow.
1 Corinthians 10:13 states,
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
1 Peter 1:7 states,
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
Philippians 4:19 states,
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Second, spring should serve as a reminder of how God cares for us on a daily basis. Too often we take for granted God’s daily provisions – never thanking Him for the provisions – often failing to use His provisions to help someone else.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 commands us to,
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Ephesians 5:20 states,
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Third, spring should serve as a reminder that our faith needs to be strengthened daily through our recognized dependency upon the Lord – and that our desire [as His greatest creation] should be to bring forth His beauty to a world that needs His light and His Gospel message of eternal life [that is, salvation through His Son Jesus Christ].
Psalms 27:1 states,
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Matthew 5:16 reminds us to,
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
As spring is now upon us, Isaiah 61:11 reminds us that praise unto our Lord should spring forth from us,
“For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”
Consider the doldrums you may have experienced during the winter months; unable to get out without a heavy coat; gray gloomy skies with very little sunshine; cold frigid days; very little time for social interaction. And yet, today we can feel the warmth of the sunshine and see the evidence of new beginnings. This should bring forth our praise. Now consider the words that Solomon penned in Song of Solomon 4:16,
“Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.”
For me, the beginning of spring serves as a reminder that new seeds will shortly be planted in our garden; where the warmth of the sun will heat the dirt, the rains will water the dirt, and we will be nourished from the fruit of the planted seeds. But I am also reminded that spring is a wonderful opportunity to plant Gospel seeds; where the Son will warm the heart, His Word and His Spirit will water the heart, and from the heart fruit will be brought forth unto the Lord from the planted Gospel seeds. Instead of us dwelling on the remnants of winter, let us take time to praise the Lord for spring.
