March 26, 2023 | Dan Low
With a winter that’s been exceptionally chillier, windier, and wetter than any other in recent memory, we are so ready for spring! While we are grateful to God for the continuous outpouring of rain and snow that have replenished our reservoirs and eased our drought, we eagerly welcome back the return of the usually warmer, sunnier, and drier climate that we are all accustomed to here in SoCal (with some occasional rain).
As we welcome spring, a season that literally blooms and buds with new life, we rejoice that our Father in heaven “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Being raised up together with our living King, God empowers us to “walk in newness of life” with a resilient joy and a vibrant hope (Romans 6:4).
So even though we may endure occasional atmospheric river storms, pineapple expresses, or even bomb cyclones (on both meteorological and metaphorical levels), we know that we can totally rely upon God as our faithful shelter and strong refuge. We will never be shaken in our faith and can always be steadfast in God’s work because Jesus has already conquered sin and death as our risen Lord.
With that underlying confidence, here are some ways to celebrate the arrival of warmer, sunnier, and drier days:
• Enjoy a pleasant, umbrella-free walk, jog, bike ride, or any other outdoor activity
• Listen to or read through the last three chapters of John’s Gospel at a nearby park (then express your praise to Jesus for his death and resurrection on our behalf)
• Invite a friend to join one of our worship services and then have lunch together at an outdoor patio
• Pray for an opportunity to talk with a not-yet-believing family member/friend about the real, substantial, lasting change that the Holy Spirit has produced in our own life
Truly and eternally thankful to God as his new creation, let’s give him our very best each day—rain or shine—as his masterpiece of matchless grace through our wonderful Savior who loved us and gave himself up for us, and who now reigns in heaven over every season of our lifetime.
