- The Refreshing Spring
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope. – 1 Peter 1:3
Spring is on its way. After a winter filled with many challenges, spring is like a new birth. Perhaps the Lord had this in mind when He designed the seasons — to remind the world that after the darkness and trials of winter, a fresh, renewed life awaits. This is illustrated in many ways in the Scripture.
When prophets such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and even Jeremiah (who showed significant signs of depression) prophesied God’s punishment upon Israel for not obeying Him, they also foretold the good things that God prepared for His people. The Scripture tells us that Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Paul endured many afflictions preaching the gospel for the hope of Heaven, sharing the new life with anyone who would listen (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Christian life is a new life. Darkness is turned to light (1 Peter 2:9). Despair becomes hope (Ephesians 2:12-13). Forgiveness replaces guilt (Romans 8:1). You walk in the Spirit and not in flesh (Romans 8:6). You are no longer an orphan (John 14:18). God meets your needs (Philippians 4:19), answers your prayers (John 14:14), and promises eternal life (John 3:16). As David states in Psalm 40:3, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
As you anticipate the change in seasons, ask the Lord to replace your thoughts that may be more aligned with winter – darkness, despair, etc. – and help you meditate on the spring-like thoughts of light, life, and victory in Jesus. Pray for the citizens and public officials in this country to turn to the Savior and ask God to replace the darkness with His marvelous light.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 5:7-11
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
