4 Spiritual Lessons Spring Reveals about Renewal
Spiritual Life
Audio By Carbonatix
7:52 AM on Friday, February 20
By Jennifer Waddle, Spiritual Life
2. It’s Time to Cultivate Inner Renewal
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
I recently heard a social media influencer say she would do everything she could to stop the aging process. She mentioned Botox, surgeries, creams, and supplements, determined to find the fountain of youth.
However, we know how this story ends. We still grow old, our bodies wear down, and the fountain of youth remains a myth. The true fountain of youth is found only in the inner workings of the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Our bodies eventually waste away, but our inner selves are renewed day by day. As Paul said to the Corinthians, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV)
Before we see new life springing from the earth, many processes take place beneath the surface. But if we’re too focused on the visible, we might inadvertently destroy the hidden parts of growth. It’s wise for us to heed the lessons of spring, ensuring the deeper parts of us are cultivated more than outward appearance.
Here are a few Scriptures highlighting the importance of inner renewal:
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV)
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV)
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
Prayer: Lord, my spirit yearns for renewal day by day. Please fill me anew and strengthen the inner parts of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. It’s Time to Refocus Our Attention
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
During the winter months, some of us slip into a dormant state of mind, causing us to feel listless and depressed. Our thoughts spiral into negative cycles, often perpetuated by what we see in the world.
Paul warned the Christians in Rome not to conform to the patterns of the world, but instead, be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Though they weren’t lured by social media or the entertainment industry, they were tempted by cultural norms just as we are.
The lesson here is to refocus our attention on what matters most: God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. Here are some questions to consider:
-What is God’s will for my life?
-With what has He gifted me to share with the world?
-How does He want my marriage to flourish?
-How does He expect me to raise my children?
In every area of life, God has a plan, and it’s a perfect one. But often, we’re too distracted to determine what His will is. This spring, refocus your attention on what God desires. Spend time inquiring of Him. Ask: Where should I go? What should I do? What is Your purpose for me in this season? Recenter your attention on what matters most and find the renewal you seek.
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for all the distractions that have captured my focus. I choose to silence them now and realign my heart with Your will. Speak, Lord, for I am listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. It’s Time to Stir Up Your Gifts
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV)
When was the last time you stepped fully into your God-given gifts? Do you know what your gifts are? Here is a free online assessment to help. The truth is, people need what you have to offer. The Lord created you with specific talents to share with your sphere of influence.
If you’ve grown complacent in recent months (or years), don’t worry. It’s never too late to stir up your Spiritual gifts. As Paul said to Timothy, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Spring offers powerful lessons of rejuvenation and revival. Like daffodils that are the first to bloom after a long winter, we are encouraged to break out of dormant seasons and bloom where God plants us. It’s not about striving more, but allowing the Holy Spirit to bring a resurgence of your purpose in Christ.
As Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”
Stir up your gifts with renewed joy. Revisit the talents you’ve set aside. Ask God to rekindle His holy purpose in you. Learn from spring’s lessons of planting, nurturing, and reaping of the Lord’s abundance. He longs to do a mighty work in you.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for creating me with specific gifts and talents. Help me step into them with the purpose of glorifying You and edifying others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Resources for Spring:
6 Spiritual Practices to Incorporate into Spring
A Prayer to Prepare Our Hearts for Spring
4 Ways Spring Showers Can Refresh Your Faith Journey
