When the Soul Turns Toward Spring

-Maria Enns

I recently read a book about spiritual seasons by Mark Buchanan called Spiritual Rhythm. Our spiritual seasons don't always line up with the natural world—they aren't tied to age or circumstance but are the condition of your soul and by recognizing which one you are in, you can respond to it wisely.

You might have walked in here today feeling more like you are in January than May—that’s OK, because our spiritual seasons don't follow the calendar. But even if you aren't in spring right now, something about this season in the world can awaken a longing for it—and that longing itself might be the first sign that spring is coming.

Buchanan describes spiritual spring as a season of renewal and fresh beginnings—new hope starting to stir, a returning desire for God, a sense that things are coming back to life in your soul.

In spiritual spring, Buchanan says our job is simple but urgent—break up the hard ground through deeper listening to God, plant boldly into the new things he's calling you toward and clear out whatever's cluttering your soul. Spring is the time to plant what you hope to harvest when the season turns. Sow in obedience what God is calling you into.

So, if you're in springtime—wake up, do the work, and make room for new growth. Don't waste it! “What's to lose, except the moment itself, and a few things you didn't need anyhow?” (Buchanan, 2010).

Jesse talked about that deeper listening—about growing in intimacy with God. Watch the message online.