The Serenity of Spring

 

By: Donna Bucher

Each season brings its own special personality and gifts to our lives, revealing the beauty of our Creator God to us. Contemplating the serenity of spring truly speaks hope to my heart as what was barren and hidden begins emerging anew with vibrant life.

While creation awakens from its winter slumber, we too, often feel renewed energy and desires for "spring cleaning and improvements". This week I delight in sharing an acrostic using the word "SPRING", encouraging you in your spiritual spring renewal!

 

S-Sow

Spring is the best time to plant a garden, and a great time to sow seeds of faith in your own life and the lives of others. (Matthew13:22-23) Be sure to check my post, "The Art of Sowing Seeds of Faith" for great tips on sowing seeds of faith!

 

Sowing Seeds in Your Life:

• Cultivating, nurturing, and watering the soil of your heart with God's Word.
• Feeding delicate seeds of faith with gratitude.
• Strengthening new growth through adversity.

 

Sowing Seeds in Others' Lives:

• Praying with and for others.
• Sharing God's Word.
• Sharing your story of faith.

 

P-Peace

The arrival of spring brings renewed energy for "getting things done" and excitement for new projects. Resting in the peace God however, helps us avoid stress and anxiety as well as opening up opportunities for His nurturing care and guidance in our lives. (Isaiah 30:15)

 

• Take prayer breaks. Start your day with prayer but make time for mini prayer breaks throughout your day.
• Quiet time reflecting on God's Word. Beyond a morning quiet time, meditate on memorized scripture or verses printed on index cards.
• Solitude. My personal favorite! Instead of keeping your head down & pushing through your To Do List, carve out some time for peacefully immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and fragrances of spring!

 

 

 

R-Refreshment

As the childhood rhyme goes, "April showers bring May flowers", we need the refreshment the Holy Spirit desires to pour out upon us! Allow the "rain" of the Holy Spirit to wash over you daily. (Isaiah 55:1-2)

 

• Receive the refreshment of new life as you reflect upon God's promises of redemption in your life.
• Rest in God to supply your every need, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• Allow the Spirit to guide your day, plans and moments!

 

I-Invite

Another aspect of fully experiencing Spring in your spiritual life is inviting Jesus, Emmanuel into your moments. We often only think of "Emmanuel" at Christmastime, but God came to be with us, each and every day! (Isaiah 41:10)

 

• Invite Jesus into your hard places as your comfort. On your weary days draw near to Him for rest.
• Invite Jesus into your sin temptations or obedience struggles. He understands our weaknesses and will strengthen you.
• Invite Jesus to be Lord of your day and show you what He has for you each day.

 

 

N-Nurture

Often when we think of the word "nurture", we think of women nurturing children, which is certainly an accurate representation. But we all nurture others in their walk with the Lord, helping them to "grow up" as mature believers. God nurtures us through His Word, and we can likewise invest in others' growth. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

 

• Feed others God's Word through mentoring, teaching or personal encouragement.
• Protect younger or weaker Christians from false teaching or discouragement.
• Be sensitive to the needs of others.

 

G-Gratitude

As with any garden, if we diligently care for it, we reap a reward of beauty, or a delectable bounty for our eating pleasure! Cultivating a spiritual garden also provides rich rewards for which we can offer gratitude to God. (Isaiah 55:12-13)

 

• Thank God for His mercy in removing your sins from you and opening a way for you to fellowship with Him.
• Thank God for the relationships He helps you nurture, and which nurture you as well.
• Thank God for the eternal hope of a future with Him!

 

 

 

As you eagerly anticipate S-P-R-I-N-G, with all of the wonders creation offers us, take time to fully experience all God has tucked away in this lovely season. Spend time cultivating your spiritual garden so you may grow in grace, a vessel showing forth the glories of your Savior and Lord.

 

Which area of our acrostic needs the most work in your life?

 

How will you share today’s lesson with someone close to you?

Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity in Suffering!

 

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