Season of Singing

“Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.” (Song of Solomon 2:11-12, NLT)

Spring is such a delightful time of year. The warming sun, the fresh buds, and then blossoms; the earth begins to come back to life, echoing the wondrous story of death and rebirth. It is no mere coincidence that Jesus was resurrected in the spring.

Yesterday had spring in the air, and I don’t mean the weather. While we have had beautiful weather over the last few days, the spring I felt was in our fellowship. As I looked out upon the congregation I saw buds forming, rich with the promise of new life. I’m seeing a renaissance of ideas, love for Jesus, and a willingness to serve one another. The flowers are springing up. People are stepping forth in faith to begin new ministries, reaching out to our community. The birds are singing. One person told me that he feels “giddy”, full of joy in the Lord; another said that for the first time in her life she has experienced “the peace that surpasses understanding.” The cooing of turtledoves fills the air. Spring is coming; indeed it is upon us.

On Wednesday we begin forty days of prayer in seeking God for our city. We are joining with nearly 5,000 believers in the Treasure Valley who are doing likewise. I believe that we are seeing only the firstfruits of what we will see. May God open our eyes and our ears to see and hear what He is doing! He has a great heart for the “treasure” in our valley—souls that Christ longs for in redeeming love and grace!