New beginnings: Spring seasons of spiritual growth

Spring invites us to open the windows, feel the air breeze through our homes, and watch in awe as fresh rain cultivates the budding trees. The physical changes of spring might be most notable in nature; however, our souls have a “spring season”, too.

Spring in the Bible reflects the core of Christ’s heart towards us: restoration. Like the visible transformation we see during the changing seasons, our spiritual seasons prompt us to embrace freshness in our spirits and new life in our hearts.

A new beginning

In his book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, author and theologian C.S. Lewis paints a picture of Jesus through the character of Aslan, the great lion. Throughout the book, a prophecy is foretold about the lion who will bring spring (as well as justice, goodness, and unity) back to the fictional land:

Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.

C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

While Aslan is a fictional character meant to represent Christ, C.S. Lewis’ work echoes the truth found in scripture. Although every season has a purpose, we aren’t meant to remain in one season forever.

In Song of Songs, God shows us His desire to have a loving relationship with His people, the church. In fact, it’s His love that imparts a season of new beginnings:

 “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” [2:11-12, NIV]

First day of spring

You might feel like your “season of singing” was replaced long ago by the pain of your past, problems of your present, or fear of your future. Or perhaps you’re too burned out, disappointed, or busy to hear the “cooing of doves.”

Take heart, beloved child of God. Yes, your normal, human reaction might be flawed. Yes, your soul might be stuck in a “winter season.” However, that’s more than okay, because God isn’t driven away from your darkness, dashed hopes, depression, or doubt. In fact, He welcomes you—your whole self—in every season.

Because of Jesus’ finished work, new life never fails.

Just as we look forward to the first day of spring so we can officially enter a new season of nature, we can fix our focus on God and enter a new season of soul-nurture.

What is your “first day of spring”? Maybe it’s a new opportunity, a new relationship, or a new purpose. Or perhaps it’s simply daring to allow your heart to dream, love, or hope again. No matter what your “spring” looks like, it always matters to God.

All things new

Scripture about seasons shows us that God works in all areas and circumstances of our lives, turning even what the enemy meant for evil into good [Romans 8:28]. Here are a few examples to restore your heart with newness:

• Isaiah 43:18-19 [NIV]: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 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.”
• Revelation 21:5 [NIV]: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 [ESV]: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Just as the rain hydrates the ferns, flowers, and forests, God’s love hydrates our hearts with fresh revelations of His transformative love:

• A fresh start gives us the courage to begin again.
• A fresh perspective gives us wisdom to steward our days and gifts.
• A fresh renewal of grace gives us redemption to break chains of fear and shame.

In craving communion with us, Christ invites us to accept fresh life bought by His sacrifice at the cross.

The best part? It’s a life of endless beginnings.