Springtime

I love the springtime. We get it a bit late in Flagstaff, but today it had so clearly arrived. The birds were out singing their songs, many trees were filled with pretty pink blossoms, and the grass was that light green color of the first shoots of spring. My heart was warm all day as I felt the joy and excitement of the new life all around me.

Tonight, I was at a banquet for the New Horizons Teen Challenge Academy in Flagstaff. This Academy houses teenage young men who have addictions. One of the young men spoke at the banquet about his additions to alcohol and all kind of drugs. At one point, he shared; "I was so desperate to find joy. I was empty inside and lost. I was taking drugs because I could not find joy and satisfaction. And the drugs only worked for a little while..."

When he was speaking, I felt a distant tinge of recognition in my soul. And to my surprise, I remembered feeling this way. Worthless, meaningless, empty, lost, without hope. Why was it a surprise? Because this feeling that was at one point so familiar to me was now very unfamiliar. So, I began to ask the Lord; "What is in my soul right now?" And His answer to me was; "Springtime." Psalm 16:11 says; "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence..." This is what is in my soul right now! The joy of having God's presence with me at all times. My path is FULL of life and joy and excitement!!

One of my favorite verses is found in Romans 6:4; "...And just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." This young man from New Horizons went on to tell us about how God had spoken to Him eight months ago. He boasted of the love and hope that Jesus had put in his heart! He expressed the joy and satisfaction that had filled him completely. He assured us that he would never be taking drugs again because he trusted the Lord to keep him busy helping other people. He shared with us his NEW life!

I love the springtime of Jesus in my heart. The new life I experienced so many years ago is still new and fresh everyday. This is a perpetual springtime. Life filling me up to overflowing!! Joy so full and in my heart even in the hardest moments!! It is truly indescribable!! The best way to understand it is to look around and take in the creation as it springs forth with life and joy and excitement all around us!! Springtime!!