I love this time of year. Constantly being surrounded by new life; spring flowers, little lambs, bursting buds. When you take a moment to observe, to pause, to breathe, you will realise how much new life is right in front of us.
But we are prone to being swept up in the mundane chores of life, that we often forget to rest and wait so that we can renew our strength and find that ‘new life’ feeling.
A couple of weeks ago, I was baptised. It was a wonderful occasion surrounded by loved ones and I felt a real sense of joy all day. I was beaming. I felt like I was soaring. This was a step on a journey for me which has renewed my spirit and reminded me of this new life that is God-given.
As we approach Easter, I am reminded again to pause and remember Jesus’ resurrection and the ‘new life’ and hope that was birthed.
At our baptism service, someone shared this Bible verse – Isaiah 40:31 ‘but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint’
This verse is such an encouragement. We can receive a fresh strength. A new energy. An oomph!
As we approach the Easter milestone in the Christian calendar, I would like to ask you: where will you find delight in the ‘new life’ that this season brings? When will you pause, wait and renew? Where will you soar? I pray that you will seek God’s goodness over the coming weeks and that you will be spiritually renewed and emotionally awakened.
However big or small, find joy in these moments and they will be a blessing to you and to others.
Savannah Cook is a member of Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham