New Season Of Growth
Monday April 11, 2016
Seasons change. The temperature warms up. The grass begins to grow again. Landscapers clear gardens of old growth debris and we see new green shoots and blossoms appearing. Our new season of life with God in recovery can also be a wonderful time of freshness and new growth. However, we need the skillful planning and work of God, our “spiritual landscaper”, to remove weeds which can choke new growth, plus dead leaves and branches that clutter the garden of our heart. We need the right fertilizer to be applied to the soil. This will make the soil nutrient rich so it can sustain new growth.
I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-2, 5 NLT)
If real change and growth is to take place our lives need to be given over to the care of God. Only God knows what is best for us, for our relationships, and for our wellbeing over the long haul. It’s in the beginning of a new season of life that we need to turn over the decision making parts of the change process to God. He knows the right way and time for transplanting or removing, or alternatively, tender feeding and supporting, in order to bring out beauty and fruitfulness to this new season.
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1-3 NLT)
This is the perfect season to allow God to plant something new in us. Reading His word waters and refreshes us. Planting truth helps shape our beliefs, thoughts, and behaviours. As we surrender over and over again to God’s Spirit working in us, our hearts will be stirred up and we will become ready for a season of rich new life.
©2016 Partners in Hope
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