The Bible for Women

Weekly Devotional

This article was reprinted from the ladies newsletter of the Western Hills Church of Christ in April 1998,

Volume 1, Number 7.

A Time of Renewal

Spring is definitely a time of renewal. All around us our physical world is changing. Flowers that have been dormant for months are unfolding in glorious bloom. The bare limbs on the trees are turning green with new foliage. Lawns are no longer brown, but green, the color of new life. Birds have returned from their winter migration and are singing and chirping overhead. The world is in a state of renewal, of revival.

Just as the physical world springs forth, and maybe due to some of this blossoming, we begin to sense a renewal in the human race. Spring is the season of young love, of puppy love, and is a romantic time for all ages. Springtime in Paris has been the subject of romantic songs and movies. Everyone seems to be happier, their moods lighter, enjoying the season. In the wake of this revival of energy, women do spring house cleaning and men spruce up their lawns and flower beds. Farmers and "would be farmers" plant their gardens.

Spiritually, Spring can also be a time of renewal, of revival. We can do some spiritual house cleaning- sweeping away the dust from inactivity and indifference and the cobwebs of stale relationships. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Jesus wants us to come out from among the world to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. This is like emerging out of the winter doldrums and renewing our dedication to righteous living. How do we achieve this? Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

So as Spring unfolds, let us as daughters of God experience a spiritual rebirth, returning to the Scriptures for sustenance and to prayer for guidance and setting our priorities for the remainder of the year, with God first and foremost in our lives. Remember that God has promised that if we trust in Him, He will direct our paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

Have a blessed week. Margie