Abundantly Alive

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Yesterday was the first day of spring. Spring, I think, is my favorite season. Bushes, shrubs, and trees erupt in an amazing display of color as their flowers come to full bloom. The bright green of the delicate new leaves on the trees contrasts beautifully against the cloudless blue skies on a cool spring morning. 

Birds are aflutter with activity, building nests and feeding their young. 

In the early spring, you can even enjoy the outdoors without worrying about mosquitos. That, in itself, is reason enough to move spring to the top of the list!

The contrast between the colorful and abundant new life of spring and the drab gray of winter is so very dramatic. It’s one way that God lets us know that death is not the final word, but life. 

I think one reason I love spring so much is because the move from the dead and dormant winter to the lively and vibrant spring is very much akin to what happens in my heart with Jesus. Jesus enlivens me. Jesus fills me with joy and meaning and purpose. Jesus motivates me to share his beauty and majesty with the world in which I live.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

 

When I see the azaleas covered in pink and white and red, adorning the landscape with their loveliness, I remember that Jesus has so transformed my own heart, and inspires me to live in such a way as to manifest his grace and mercy.

When I see the birds feeding their young, I remember that Jesus nurtures me with his love, and I am stirred to share his love with all whom I encounter, especially the helpless and vulnerable ones.

When I see the bees and butterflies flitting about from flower to flower, I remember that Jesus has called me, not to hoard his goodness, compassion, and love, but to spread it about liberally and unconditionally.

The beauty and glory of spring – especially on the heels of the dreary and dismal cold and gray of winter – fill me with gratitude that God is about the business of making us alive. 

Truly, abundantly alive.

Through the Valley of Dry Bones

[The Lord] said, “Prophesy to the bones. Tell these dry bones to listen to the word of the Lord. Tell them that I, the Sovereign Lord, am saying to them: I am going to put breath into you and bring you back to life. I will give you sinews and muscles, and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you and bring you back to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
(Ezekiel 37:4-6)

An abandoned church in Pittsburgh, PA 

Sometimes people feel like they are spiritually lifeless. They may have given up hope that God can renew them. This prayer is written with them (or you) in mind. Because prayer is two-way conversation, I have also put into words what I believe God says to those who pray through the arid wilderness of their soul.

Through the Valley of Dry Bones

God (if you're even God, or even there, for that matter),
I'm wasted away. Falling apart. Lifeless. Inside of me I feel nothing, except maybe I feel dead. I'm a shell of my former self. I've stopped caring. I've stopped crying. I've stopped caring.

God (if you're even God, or even there, for that matter),
do you even hear me? Do you care? If you do, help me.
Please. Help me.

I'm listening God. Answer me.

"My precious child, I am going to put breath into you and bring you back to life... I am going to put my Spirit in you -- the Spirit of life, and hope, and comfort. Even more, I am going to love you with all my being, if you will only accept my love. 

"My precious child, as you have gone through the valley of the shadow of death, you have not been alone, for I have been with you. Your pain I have felt. Your disappointment I have experienced. Your agony has pierced my heart. 

"My precious child, there is no darkness that can hide you from me. There is no condition you can experience that is beyond redemption, for I have conquered even death. 

"My precious child, I offer you new life. Come to me in your weariness, and I will give you rest. Let me put breath in you, and bring you back to life. Abundant life."

I hear you, Lord. May it be with me according to your word. 
Amen.