Spring is a time for fresh beginnings and new growth. Coming out of a long and cold winter, though winter can be lovely in its own way, I am often longing for new growth, for a freshness in my soul. As our garden spots, our trees, and our grass take on a new life, so my soul thirsts for new life, as well.
O God, You are my God,
earnestly I seek You;
my soul thirsts for You,
my body longs for You
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
(Psalm 63:1 NIV)
This new life and fresh start in our gardens, in the plants on our deck, often finds its beginnings quietly, and mostly hidden from sight. For as we plant, we need much patience; patience to wait for the nourishing rains and the life-giving rays of sunlight to strengthen the roots of our new plants. It really is a beautiful thing. We put our love and best efforts into planting the seeds or the small plants from the nursery. And then we wait ...
The roots need to strengthen and reach deep for the nutrients. Soaking up the rain and the sun. Without strong roots, the plants will not be able to endure. And the plants will not blossom and bear fruit.
The same is true for my heart, for my soul, and for yours, as well. Our roots need to be strengthened and nurtured. My heart and my soul need gentle, nourishing care. Each day. We need to pull away to connect with our Creator. To pause our busyness, quiet our hearts in the midst of a busy life and world; pausing and listening to hear His voice; to read His Words, and to let them soak deeply into our hearts and souls.
Find a quiet, secluded place -
Just be there as simply and honestly
as you can manage.
The focus will shift from you to God,
and you will begin to sense His grace.
(Matthew 6:6 MSG)
Pausing, retreating from our busyness. Listening, reading His Words. And as the days go by, this soaking up of His Words, of His Love, will fill us with all that we long for. We will be filled up with His love, presence, wisdom, and joy ... and this will overflow from us, spreading beauty and love to those around us.
Let your roots grow down into Him,
and let your lives be built on Him.
Then your faith will grow strong
in the truth you were taught,
and you will overflow with
thankfulness.
(Colossians 2:7 NLT)
Lord, may my life be a rhythm of serving and loving others, of joining You in Your work ... and above all, of pausing, retreating to the quiet place where I can hear Your whispers more clearly. Where Your truth and Your love can nourish my roots, my heart, strengthening me in every way.
For You are the One
who nurtures our souls so that
we blossom, flourish, and thrive.
