“For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown to in it to spring forth, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11

The signs of spring are coming fast. A few warm days and the daffodils have bloomed, the forsythia is yellow and beginning to leaf to green, and the trees are budding out in color. Well, sorry, not everywhere (yet), but I hope you will enjoy an early preview as we “spring forth with praise”.

Every year I try to choose a different plan and read through the entire Bible in a year. It’s part of my daily time with the Lord. I am still amazed that several times throughout the year, I still find a verse that I didn’t remember reading. Perhaps it just didn’t resonate on the day I read it, or I was reading a little too fast and missed the point. I guess that means I need to slow down and appreciate each verse! The above verse from Isaiah just seems to echo the joy of spring.

You already know that I’m a huge fan of God’s natural, created world. I thrive outside and love observing and exploring the world around me. Spring and its new life springing forth (pun intended) just invites us to give thanks and praise to God for all of His wonderful, amazing work. Did you know there are millions of species of animals; about 18,000 species of birds, nearly a million species of known sea creatures (and at least that many more that scientists agree we haven’t identified yet!), and nearly 100,000 species of bugs?

The world is full of God’s glory and handiwork. As the earth re-awakens and blooms after winter’s rest, let us take time to connect with God’s creation and praise His Holy name. Let us spring forth with praise for our God, just as the earth is springing forth its buds and plants in praise!

This week, even if spring hasn’t officially arrived in your part of God’s beautiful creation, step outside and discover God and His natural world. Explore and “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4 Let our hearts spring forth with praise for the God of creation, the God of light and life, the God of our salvation in Jesus Christ.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we praise our God and enjoy His wonderful, beautiful, and amazing created world.