Spring a Symbol of Spiritual Renewal
G. Avery. Psalm 104:30 You send forth your spirit, they are created: and you renew the face of the earth. The seasons have a moral contagion in them. The autumn breathes upon us a spirit of pensiveness, producing a sweet sadness because of the spirit of change add decay that rests upon all beautiful things. The spring, however, breathes upon us the spirit of hope and promise. There is the influence of new beginnings, new energies, and new efforts. I. THE SPRINGTIDE IS A PERIOD OF RESTORED VITAL ENERGY. Life is starting from every pore of Nature. The whole face of the earth heaves and throbs with an exhaustless tide of life. Every spot teems with new existence. We are impressed with the infinite affluence of the "Fountain of life." Spring is really a new display of God's presence and power — a renewal which comes from the putting forth of Divine energy. And what He does in the natural world He also does in the spiritual realm. There are times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord — veritable springtimes — which come both to the Church and to the individual soul. For such times we should pray, and expect them to come. A time of depression and barrenness should be succeeded by a time of new life and new spiritual energy. II. THE SPRINGTIDE IS A PERIOD OF RENEWED AND BUOYANT ACTIVITY. Restored vitality must put on new forms of activity. It is only natural that where there is real life there should be vigorous effort. III. THE SPRINGTIDE IS A PERIOD OF RESTORED BEAUTY. The beauty of the Lord is upon the face of nature, and that beauty is as fresh and full as if there had never been a springtide before. The minutest form of life has its wonder and beauty in structure, form, and hue. Beautiful, too, is the boundless variety and distribution of the whole. "The earth is full of Thy riches," and these are true riches, because they bring a wealth of life; they minister energy, beauty and joy to every living creature. What is the Gospel of Christ but the intention of God to impart to our life and character the beauty of holiness, the beauty of God's own being? The work of the Spirit is to produce in us meekness, gentleness, patience, charity — all of which go to form real loveliness of life. The springtime should have a message and influence for us on this part of our life. IV. THE SPRINGTIDE IS A PERIOD OF RENEWED JOY AND HOPE. (G. Avery.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. WEB: You send forth your Spirit: they are created. You renew the face of the ground.