Psalm 147:7-11 (NIV)
Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
make music to our God on the harp.
He covers the sky with clouds;
he supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.
He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Devotion
We are now three weeks into spring! Have you noticed? The reminders are all around us to be sure. The robins loudly chirp again. The crocus is peeking out. The daffodils search for a bloom. The explosion of wildflowers is sudden. We see purple hillsides that were once gray. In an instant, spring blossoms to life. Embedded in the very fabric of God’s creation, this glorious season points to resurrection, a story of death to life, an example of darkness and then glory.
With grateful appreciation for this blueprint that God has provided, maybe it’s time for us to awaken from the dullness of our own winter, put aside the dormant part of us and awaken to the warmth of this new spring sun as we see and listen to the messages around us. And we can do that if we pause in wonder, simply finding some time for God.
Finding joy in new life is one of the greatest blessings we can experience during spring. The season brings a reminder that joy comes from the Lord and is a gift we should celebrate. Just as new life springs forth from the ground, our joy can overflow when we recognize God’s goodness. Together we can build each other up and find joy in our faith.
Prayer
Dear Lord of renewal,
Help me to see new life around me. Guide me as I embrace this season and witness the miracles of life unfolding. May my heart be refreshed, inviting me to seek your will and embrace the hope you offer. Give me opportunity and faith to share this joy with others. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Robert M. Johnson (McLean)