Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Winter can be a dreary time—drab and grey, but when spring arrives, fresh new growth bursts forth and glorifies God’s magnificent creation. Bright green grass covers the landscape and flowers emerge from their hibernation. Birds announce the arrival of each sunrise, while the bees ready themselves to gather nectar and pollinate the budding plants and flowers.
The transformation of spring appears to take place overnight, but it spends much time working its way to the surface before we ever see its emergence. Unseen growth takes place all winter long while nature prepares for yet another season of spring.
As we reflect upon a new season in nature, perhaps it’s a good time to reflect on the spiritual growth taking place inside of you and me.
Let’s compare where we are today with where we were a year ago. Can we see new growth in our spiritual life? Has worship grown more meaningful? Do we have more Scriptures tucked into our heart and mind than we did a year ago? Do we see less sin in our life? Do we trust God more?
All of these indicators can be a visible measure of our spiritual growth. Since some changes appear slowly, we must take inventory of our lives to truly perceive the transformations taking place.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)
Every year my husband and I spruce up our yard by clearing away dead leaves and plants that threaten to smother our lawn and landscape. Once the decaying undergrowth is removed, new plants and grass have adequate space to grow and flourish.
Sometimes it’s necessary to incorporate a similar practice into our faith journey.
Could your spiritual life use some sprucing up? Begin by clearing away any stagnant areas which are no longer producing good fruit. For example, perhaps you have been serving in the same area of ministry for years, but your passion has lost its zing. Maybe it would be wise to look for other service opportunities. Not only would this benefit you personally, but it also might open a door for someone else whose contribution just might bring the fresh perspective needed to aid the ministry’s ability to produce a greater harvest of fruit.
Once we clear away the dead foliage of seasons past, we can flourish with all the new opportunities God brings our way.
God ordains different seasons for our spiritual life, and with each new season, He provides rich new growth.
“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” (Isaiah 42:9)
May each new season of growth pour forth an abundant harvest of luscious spiritual fruit.
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)