When I looked through the kitchen window one morning last week, I spied a patch of moss beside our Bradford pear tree. The neon green spot contrasted with the khaki-colored grass and tree roots around it.
I went outside and stooped to examine the moss. The skinny blades that sprouted straight up out of the soil reminded me of new hair growth on top of a toddler’s head and made me smile.
Then I smiled for a different reason. The bright green growth signaled the coming of spring.
A friend and I predicted folks will welcome the new season this year with open arms as never before. After the trials of 2020 and a winter of pandemic gloom, we need the joys and renewal of spring with its blossoming beauty and warmer temperatures.
Have you noticed how as soon as the temperature rises a few degrees people venture out to walk? Exercising leg muscles, breathing fresh air, and noticing glimpses of green invigorate us and renew the hope of brighter, healthier days.
In addition to physical exercise, some people are exercising faith amid trials they encounter. Navigating new paths can be scary.
Those who don’t yet know God can find peace, hope, and direction by surrendering to His Son, Jesus. Then they can walk with God as a beloved child (Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16, John 1:12).
As Christians, we need consistent renewal in our journey with God. Share on XAs Christians, we need consistent renewal in our journey with God.
Has your joy and hope become dormant during the pandemic winter? Are you wearing a heavy coat of discouragement? Is fear paralyzing your victory? Or are you filled with the joy, hope, and encouragement of Christ but long for a still deeper relationship with Him?
The Bible provides guidance.
Come close to God and He will come close to you.
James 4:8
Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:10 (emphasis mine)
What a helpful verse to post and read each spring morning.
How can we renew our walk with God this spring?
First, we acknowledge that God enables us to please Him. Just as God creates the seasons, He creates changes in us and renews our soul as we walk with Him.
Try as we might, improving ourselves is usually short-lived. The One who created us also creates soul change.
For it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13
The Amplified Bible expands the truth this way:
For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13
Secondly, in addition to recognizing the source of our spiritual renewal, we look to Jesus as our example.
The one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:6
and
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2
When we read the Bible, we can notice the characteristics of Jesus and ask God to transform us to be more like Him.
Slip on your comfortable shoes and join me on the path of the next few posts as we consider ways to renew our walk with Jesus this spring.
Here’s an idea for now:
- Start a new journal or tab a section of an existing journal.
- You might log actual walking times or distances in one section.
- In another part of the journal, as you read your Bible, note the characteristics and actions of Jesus that you can imitate.
- Ask God to guide you into a deeper relationship with Him.
How do you plan to renew your walk with Christ this spring?
If my posts brighten your day, please share the link with your friends. Thank you.
Bible verses are taken from the NASB.