The Work of Spring
Spring has sprung, and many of us may find ourselves gazing upon our yards with a mix of anticipation and exasperation. Where do we even begin? There is a laundry list of tasks demanding attention: pulling weeds, endless mowing, clearing leaves from rock beds, trimming back ornamental grasses, planting new foliage, and refreshing pots. Every year, we may embark on our individual projects by shopping for perennials, dreaming of a year in the future that will require less work. Yet, inevitably, we find ourselves each year caught in an endless cycle of refinement. The work is never done. There is always a new project ahead.
In seasons of change, we might wonder if God experiences a similar sentiment towards us – anticipation and exasperation. Our growth is never complete, and the process of cultivating seems unending. Will we take root? Will we flourish? Will we bear fruit? Will what was planted last year grow again this year? Despite our shortcomings, God persists in creating new life within us. And, although we should feel grateful for the constant tending, we may whine about the time it takes and the pain we feel in the midst of it.
But where in this daunting task do we find anticipation? Surveying our seemingly hopeless yards, our eyes are drawn to pockets of new life. A ground creeper not noticed before now flourishes with delicate purple foliage. Green shoots emerge amidst withered ornamental grasses. Life, despite the endless challenges, persists. And in that persistence, there is hope. Hope that each of us can begin anew, allowing God to cut back what needs to be removed and plant afresh in barren patches.
God’s mastery in nurturing growth is undeniable. He understands that growth requires nurturing. Despite the challenges and frustrations He may face, God continues to work on our hearts, watering our souls, and strengthening our roots. All of this, ultimately, is for our benefit. In the midst of our struggles—be they relational, job loss, financial setbacks, stress, crisis of identity, etc.
—God reassures us:
“See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19
God is actively at work within us! No matter how parched or depleted we may feel, God declares, “I am not finished with you yet! What I am doing within you is something new. Trust me. I am your Creator, and this is what I do.”
So, what can we do as we await the new growth to take root? Here are some great practices:
- Stay Rooted in the Word: Ground yourself in scripture. What is God’s purpose? What is God’s plan? God is consistent throughout scripture telling us about his unending love for us. If want to learn more about God’s promises for us in the Bible, consider joining a Bible study or starting a Bible devotional.
- Trust in God’s Promises: Familiarize yourself with God’s assurances, such as “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5), and “I will be your God, you will be my people” (Jeremiah 7:23). Worship serves as a powerful reminder of these promises. We repeat through song what God has promised to us.
- Find Community: Growth is challenging, but it is easier when shared. Seek out church communities that value vulnerability and support one another through life’s struggles and triumphs.
Spring symbolizes new beginnings—a chance for fresh growth. Though the first steps forward may seem daunting, the promise of a flourishing life in Christ awaits you!
Erin M. Reynolds, Ph.D.
linkedin.com/in/drerinmreynolds
Friend of Connections Church
