There is a charming quality to spring that captures the imagination. We see the buds forming on trees, shoots from bulbs rising out of the earth, birds flitting around looking for material suitable for a nest, and the bright grass bursting with new life. No magical transition occurs at the death of winter, yet spring is lovely in its ordinary blossoming. It serves as a powerful symbol of hope.
For in the changing cycles of nature, we find images that capture gospel truth. Out of the deadness of winter springs fresh growth. Bare branches become enlivened again. In these examples, our focus is turned back to the cross and empty tomb – where Jesus’ death and resurrection brings new life. He is the living Savior and the basis for our hope.
As the first day of spring approaches, let us consider anew the passages in God’s Word that relate to this season and what it symbolizes. There are little lessons everywhere, from the blossoming of flowers to the festivals we celebrate. We can use the verses and examples from nature to fuel our prayers to the One who created all things and upholds it with His power.
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1. The Coming of Spring
1. The Coming of Spring
“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).
The love between a husband and wife is celebrated in the Song of Solomon. In this verse, the woman speaks about her beloved, Solomon, calling for her. The joy of their love is compared with the coming of spring since interwoven in the seasonal imagery is the closeness of their relationship. In springtime, the entire world seems fresh, and this is also true of their growing love.
These verses capture the beauty of the season with flowers blossoming at winter’s end. Our focus is directed to the sound of birdsong, including the unique vocalization of turtledoves. The next verse also mentions vines and the fig tree with its early fruit (Song of Solomon 2:13). Lovely sights and sounds come with the arrival of spring.
All people, regardless of marital status, can appreciate the seasonal imagery in this book and praise God for its beauty. So, as we see fresh growth springing up around us, may it remind us to give thanks.
Creator of all,
You have set the seasons in place, made the plants bloom, and hardwired animals to engage in productive activity in spring. What beauty You have crafted! I marvel at how these simple things can show me the reality of Your love and majesty. Help me to use all my senses to appreciate this season and recognize the marks of Your beauty within it.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.
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2. A Prayer for New Things
2. A Prayer for New Things
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).
The first day of spring brings with it a feeling of anticipation – that something new is happening. For lots of us, this is a time to start doing spring cleaning and to refresh our homes. This sense of change can also carry over into other parts of our lives, as we turn our sights to new projects, events, and relationships.
Similarly, Isaiah records how the Lord was doing something new. He would bring the Israelites back from their exile in Babylon. However, there is still a future aspect to this passage since it looks forward to when Jesus returns to establish His reign and rule as the promised King (Isaiah 43:5-6). Such an event will be as refreshing and hope-renewing as streams in a wasteland.
Even now, God is known to bring life to dry and desolate places. He gives us His Spirit at salvation, who washes us and makes us new (Titus 3:5). No longer are we slaves to sin, but free sons and daughters. We who were once dead in our sinfulness are now alive in Christ, set apart to live in holiness and joy (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:4-5). No matter how broken or dark our lives appear right now, the Lord can transform them and use them for His good purpose.
Maker of new things,
Use this coming season to remind me again of Your promises. I cling to the truth that You will soon return to make all things new. But even now I know You are working in the world and in my life. Help me to walk as the new creation that I am in You. And as I pursue new things this spring, empower me to do them all for Your glory.
Amen.
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3. Acknowledging the Beauty and Brevity of Life
3. Acknowledging the Beauty and Brevity of Life
“Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die” (Psalm 103:15).
Most of us enjoy seeing the flowering of trees and distinct spring flowers emerge from the ground. But sadly, they are short-lived. The vibrant flowers of the cherry blossom eventually fall as they are replaced by leaves. Tulips and daffodils brighten the early and sometimes chilly days of the new season. Yet their petals, too, will fade.
Beauty and brevity are marks of spring and life. Like grass and wildflowers, we spring up quickly but do not last. Eventually our short days are over, and we are gone. Other verses in the Bible also use the imagery of fading flowers to describe the fleeting nature of life (see Job 14:1-2 and 1 Peter 1:24-25).
Spring can remind us that we are only here for a brief time. Like the wilting tulips or falling petals of the cherry blossom, we will all die one day unless the Lord returns. Since our days here are short, we should use our time wisely with a focus steeped in eternity (Ephesians 5:15-16). Life is too fragile and precious to waste on useless pursuits. May we consider the plants around us and remember the beauty and gift of life, but also its brevity.
Father God,
Teach me to number my days, Lord, as Your servant Moses prayed (Psalm 90:12). For I am not much different than the flowers and plants that are springing to life outside. One day I am here, and the next day I could be gone. May I wisely use the time You have given me – to love others, use my resources and talents well, tell others about Your grace, and live in contentment and gratitude. Help me to do this, remembering that all who trust in You will live even when they die. Because You live, I know I will too. May all the days of my life bring you honor. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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4. A Prayer to Learn from the Birds and Flowers
4. A Prayer to Learn from the Birds and Flowers
“And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you — you of little faith” (Matthew 6:28-30).
Jesus also mentioned the brief time that flowers adorned the fields since they were soon used for fuel. But our Lord emphasizes the loveliness of the flowers for a reason. They do not work to create their beauty. God is the One who makes them grow and gives splendor to the fields. The point of this illustration is that if the fields are clothed in this way, then we should not worry about how we are going to clothe ourselves.
Before this, He had discussed the birds that have plenty to eat even though they do not plant or store their food (Matthew 6:26-27). Believers should learn from the examples of the birds and flowers and understand that they trust God to provide for them. Anxiously fretting about necessities in life is not how we are meant to spend our days. Rather, our focus should be on God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
Worry can consume every part of the year if we allow it. However, our Lord tells us to entrust ourselves to Him because He already knows our every need. The joy of spring has come, and we need not let the weeds of worry choke out our hope. We can, instead, be students of birds and flowers.
Lord,
I confess that worry too often consumes my thoughts and prayers. I fret over having what I need, even though You have shown me how foolish it is to do so. May I learn from the example of the birds and flowers, trusting that You will provide. Reorient my thinking so that I have a kingdom-mindset.
Amen.
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5. Praying for Renewed Focus on Serving the Lord
5. Praying for Renewed Focus on Serving the Lord
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Hebrews 9:14).
Traditionally, the Jewish people celebrated (and still celebrate) the Passover in spring. And that is fitting considering a young male lamb was needed for the feast. The week of Passover was also when Jesus, the Lamb of God, was crucified. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
The author of Hebrews specifically referred to Christ as an unblemished offering whose blood cleanses us, which matches the imagery from other verses that refer to Him as a Lamb without defect or blemish (1 Peter 1:19). He is the final and ultimate sacrifice for our sins – the fulfillment of animal sacrifices in the Old Testament.
Jesus gave Himself and has made us clean so we can serve the Lord. Spring is an opportune time to mediate on what Jesus has done and to devote ourselves to wholeheartedly living for Him since this season includes Lent and Eastertide. Traditionally, it is a time of reflection and dedication to service. We can use this time to renew our surrender to the Lord’s will in joy and thanksgiving for our salvation in Christ.
Lamb of God,
How amazing it is that You would give Yourself to save me, though I am undeserving of such grace. You are innocent and spotless, yet You took on my sins and bore the punishment that is rightly mine. I will spend all eternity praising You, knowing that Your blood is what makes me clean. Here is my life, Lord. Use it for Your glory. In Your name,
Amen.
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6. A Prayer for Restoration
6. A Prayer for Restoration
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God” (Isaiah 35:1-2).
The spring-like conditions of blossoming flowers and dry lands receiving new life will mark the future Kingdom when Jesus returns. Other passages add to this picture through the mention of trees growing, which the Lord will plant (Isaiah 41:18-19). Such flourishing matches the joy of the redeemed as they enter Zion with singing (Isaiah 35:9-10).
As breath-taking as it is to see the various plants and trees emerging with fresh growth in this season, there is a greater spring coming. In the future, we will see the glory of our Savior and experience life on a restored earth. Our happiness will be complete, and it will never fade. For we will walk in that everlasting spring where sorrow will no longer darken our days.
Dear Heavenly Father,
On this first day of spring, Lord, may You remind me of the coming day when all things will be made new. The earth will be restored. Our bodies resurrected. Death reversed because of what Your Son did. Until that day comes, give me hope, and work in me to be an agent of light and restoration in my family, community, and the world. In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.
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Originally published March 19, 2025.
