Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Philippians 4: 4,5 (NASB)
Winter was long and lonely, the bitter-cold was reason enough to remain by the wood stove. Tucked inside with a good book or craft, it was easy to hide and hug my coffee mug for warmth. But seasons change.
We rejoice in spring. The promise of the blossom kept our eyes watchful and our steps steady as the days lengthened. With eagerness, we began to clear the lawn of fallen twigs and branches. We also cut down dead trees, planted another weeping willow in memory of a loved one, and added tulips to the rock garden. The bursting hues of eternal hope, purity, and friendship intertwined with our fresh efforts and thoughts.
God desires harmony in our relationships—to be unified, like-minded in cares and concerns, and devoted to the cause of spreading the gospel message of Jesus and His redemptive work. Therefore, we set our mind on our risen Savior, and we seek to know His Word, Walk, and Way. We consider how we think and respond to others, and we choose to slow down and live present. Likewise, we purpose to be gentle.
Read Philippians 4:1-5 and you see. Beloved. Dear one. Brother. Brethren. True comrades. Companions. Sisters in Christ. Fellow workers. My joy and my crown. United in Holy Love. Live in harmony. Forbear with one another. Why? Our Lord is near. Likewise, our testimonies are hindered in the community when we fail to get along. So, we embrace new habits, growth, and opportunities to forgive, gather, share, and serve. And we rejoice in our Lord!
Spring has sprung. Spiritual maturity also reveals buds of trust, love, mercy, and gratitude. God desires unity and peace for believers, and He is faithful to complete what He has started. However, when we don’t know how to support others, or how to fight injustice or mistreatment, or where to begin, we fix our gaze on Christ. We follow His example and gift-wrap humility with grace, mercy, and loving-kindness. We take the hit and turn the other cheek, and we wait. We go where it is uncomfortable; we make a call, walk the extra mile, or write and stamp the letter. And we stand firm in our Lord.
Winter might linger longer in the northeast, but there is always the promise of the awakening. I’m thankful for the spring rain that pops the loyal green and opens the forsythia and my heart. My husband breaks through the dirt and plants new seed. Hope. May flowers will also bloom, the hidden lily of the valley under my porch, vibrant tulips and columbine in our rock garden, and blue Bells by the river.
Rejoice in the Lord! Embrace the rain, and let your gentle spirit be known to all men. Your kindness will leave a lasting impression.
Lily Mae
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6(NASB)
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