The blooming of the flowers, the warmth of sunshine on our faces, and the birds singing all point to the beginning of spring. Springtime is a special season as it attests to new starts.
The anniversary of the Lord’s death and resurrection is in Spring and provides us with hope for the Second Coming of the Lord.
Embracing springtime can come in many forms, such as getting outside more or doing a few springtime crafts. Another way to help us embrace springtime is by turning to the Book of Psalms.
The Book of Psalms was written by numerous psalmists who knew what it meant to cry out for God, praise Him, and run to Him. We can learn many lessons from the psalmists, including how to embrace springtime.
1. Psalm 104:19
“He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down” (Psalm 104:19).
Embracing springtime can be seen by reflecting on this psalm. During springtime, we have to jump ahead one hour in order to have more daytime.
However, even if we didn't do this, God would still ensure that the sun would stay up long enough. The sun knows when to go up and down, just as God commanded it (Ecclesiastes 1:5).
The moon and the sun mark the seasons, and this includes springtime. God is in control of the new season, and we can trust Him.
If you are hesitant about springtime this year, know that God has your back. The One who commands the stars and the moon will help you handle whatever life throws at you.
2. Psalm 16:5
“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure” (Psalm 16:5).
Psalm 16 was written by David during a difficult time in his life. Although his life was in danger, he chose to reflect on God. He trusted that God would keep him safe. Just as David trusted in God, so can we.
There are times when we feel like what we are worried about is “no big deal” compared to another person's struggles. This is not true. All of your struggles are valid. Don't compare them to anyone else's struggles. Bring them all to the feet of Jesus and rest in His love.
The Lord is our portion and our cup. He will keep our lives safe and sound. Instead of looking at the storms of life, look to Him. The storms will rise, yet they will fall once again.
3. Psalm 89:1-2
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself” (Psalm 89:1-2).
Ethan the Ezrahite was the writer of Psalm 89, and he shared many encouraging truths for us, which we can relate to springtime.
Embracing springtime is seen as embracing the Lord’s great love. We need to declare with our mouths that His love stands forever, and His reign will never end.
The Lord deserves all of our praise and respect. Springtime doesn't have to be a season that is hard to embrace. It can be a time for renewal and new starts.
Just as the flowers spring new during springtime, our lives can blossom. Accepting the Lord's great love for us is a great place to start.
There might have been many people to make us feel unloved or too far gone, but we need to know they are not right. We are loved, and we are never too far gone for God.
Embrace the truth of the Lord’s perfect love, “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:5-7).
4. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
If you are going through heartbreak right now, Psalm 147:3 is the psalm you need to embrace for springtime this year. God will heal your broken heart and cover each wound with his healing power.
Although deep cuts from life will hurt, they can heal. This is only possible because of God. If a family member passed away during springtime, this can be a very challenging time of year.
All of the flowers are blooming, yet you feel anything but colorful. It feels as though the world should be covered in gray.
Allow God to embrace you during this season. He will heal your wounds and bring you deliverance. The grief will still be present, yet God will help you through this time. Lean on God and other believers in your life and allow them to help you carry this grief.
5. Psalm 103:15-16
“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more” (Psalm 103:15-16).
Psalm 193:15-16 points us to the truth that our life is like grass. It can be here today and gone tomorrow.
By embracing springtime through this psalm, we will take more pleasure in the little things, such as the flowers, the warmer temperatures, and the increased daylight. Our life is short. None of us are promised tomorrow. We need to live each day to the glory of God.
It is sad to think of how short life is, but it can help motivate us to enjoy all parts of the year. Maybe springtime can be a nuance because of bugs and allergies but look to the beauty instead. If we spend too much time focusing on the negatives, we will never see the shimmers of beauty in everyday life.
Springtime is a beautiful time to reflect on our lives. It challenges us to start anew in our life. If you feel you are far from God, turn back to Him today. He will embrace you like a warm hug on a winter’s day.
6. Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
What is keeping you from embracing springtime? Is it lack of sleep due to all of the workload that is piled high every day? Or is it a difficult personal situation? No matter what is causing you to stay up at night, turn to the Lord.
Open your Bible to Psalm 4:8 and remind yourself that you can lie down and sleep peacefully because of the Lord. He will watch over you as you sleep. All of the anxieties and fears can wait until the morning. Now is the time to get some rest before the morning comes.
Springtime can be difficult for many people because Daylight Savings starts, and it can cause sleep to be disrupted.
If your sleep has been affected by the time change, try your best to make it a priority to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Give all of your worries and fears to God before you go to sleep and trust Him with the outcome.
7. Psalm 119:33
“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end” (Psalm 119:33).
Psalm 19 helps us to embrace the springtime because it helps us to reach out to God.
Through this psalm, we are being taught the need to ask God for His help. Never should we fear reaching out to God or asking Him for guidance.
He will establish our steps if we turn to Him (Proverbs 16:9). As fallen creatures, we need God’s guidance. Left to our own devices, we will follow our sinful hearts. This is why we need to allow God to teach us His ways through the Bible and go to Him in prayer.
Springtime is a great time to start relying on the Lord. It can be hard not to rely on our own understanding, yet this is something we must abandon (Proverbs 3:5-6). May we follow the psalmist's example and ask the Lord to teach us many great lessons this spring.
Photo Credit: ©Pixabay/JillWellington
