SPRING

(written in late February)

Isa. 44:3-4

 

"I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams." 

 

Even though spring is not officially here yet - the spring equinox is March 20 - it sure feels and looks like spring.  As Vicki and I drove north last weekend, we were surprised how many of the trees had budded out and how green everything looked; not just in Texas, but in Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska too.  I really enjoy watching spring emerge from the winter because it reminds me how God steps into the bleakness and emptiness and makes everything new, not just in the countryside but in our hearts too.  We all go through dry times and times of coldness and darkness; but with God, that is never the end of the story.  His purpose for us is that we have life in abundance - vibrant fresh fulfilling life bursting with joy and excitement and new growth.

 

In Isa. 44:3-4 God promises Jacob, “water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground.”  He says,  “I will pour out my Spirit and bless your descendants.”  From that one passage we can see that the life God gave Jacob was not for him alone, God gave Jacob a life-producing life.  And so it is for us.  In the barren periods of our lives the Holy Spirit comes and refreshes us and renews us and causes our lives to blossom, not just for our blessing and benefit, but also to make seed for the next generation.  So enjoy the spring, but don't forget to spread a little of the warmth and sunshine around.

--- Pastor Keith Andrews