Truth:
One tiny little shoot came up in our garden yesterday. It was the first one of all the ones that were planted. It had only been a few days since the seeds went into the ground, but each day I had checked to see if anything was growing.
I stood there looking at that exciting little piece of green. I realized it was more important to me this year than it had ever been before but it took me a few minutes to realize why.
We are living in a strange time now. It seems almost surreal at times, like we are watching a scary movie or reading a bad novel. It is often hard to believe it is really happening to us. News reports aren’t filled with much hope and usually just repeat dire warnings and unwelcome statistics.
Yet we know the Lord is filled with faith, joy, and hope every day of our lives. When we tune in to Him and tune out the other voices, we find peace and hope. And also in His creation we find beauty and life.
So yesterday I rejoiced with Him over that little green shoot. I thanked Him for new life and hope for the future. I praised Him and sang–I’m sure anyone watching would have thought something amazing was happening in that garden. And truly it was. It was the first sign of a new day.
Today I found five more shoots coming up. And they were welcomed with equal enthusiasm. Only God can create life and bless us with His creation. With my eyes of faith those little shoots are a thriving garden that is going to supply vegetables for our whole family.
What is God bringing into your life today that is a promise of new life? What is He giving you that speaks of hope and faith and peace for the future? No matter how small it seems now, rejoice over it. Praise Him and celebrate what He is doing because it is going to grow into a wonderful harvest!
Family Interaction:
If you have pots, dirt, and seeds this is a great time to have each family member plant a seed and watch it as it grows.
If you don’t have those supplies, just go outside together. Look at a branch that is blossoming or a little flower that is pushing its way up through the earth. Watch the birds as they build their nest. All of God’s creation is constantly bringing forth new life.
As a family, talk about what Jesus said.
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:25-33
God’s creation trusts Him and He brings forth new life through them. Just imagine what He has planned for you!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for new life that You create all around us. Thank You for the exciting days ahead that You have planned for us! We welcome Your new life and Your plan for all the tomorrows that lie ahead. You are a good Father and we love You! We rejoice today over everything You are doing, even if it seems like a small beginning. We look forward to the harvest to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen!