The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.
John 3: 35-36
NIV
Here in New England the birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and March winds will soon give way to fresh blooms. Spring’s promise of warmer days brings extra smiles to share, brighter colors to wear, and great anticipation of what is yet to come.
A sense of hope, rebirth, and renewal are in the air.
Today as I watched the joy on a little boy’s face, I knew he was eager to embrace his afternoon. Hopping off the bus in front of me, I couldn’t help but catch his enthusiasm as he skipped up the driveway, dragged his jacket behind, and waved goodbye without a care in the world.
It was then that I stopped to ponder my own words. Without a care in the world? Mmm. What would that look like? What would that feel like?
Why was it that adults, myself included, sometimes walk around as if the weight of the world depends on them?
Maybe that child was onto something.
Jesus instructs, Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19: 14).
Here the Lord reminded me of the importance of having a childlike faith, and the benefits of being open, trusting, and vulnerable in our relationship with him.
Jesus knows how quick children are to catch the Truth of the Gospel, and to put their faith into action by simply doing the right thing.
Jesus’ words brought me back to my elementary teaching days as my students lifted their voices in song, adding verses to include their family, pets, and even strangers to the popular spiritual, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
Yes,The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands (John 3: 35).
Everything. Not something. Not one thing. All things.
Why, I wondered, do you and I want to take the place of God, and falsely think the world and its problems are for us to solely solve?
Why does self perception, or self pride and stubbornness get in the way? Why do humans need to take center stage?
To place everything in the Lord’s hands, there is only One solution.
He must become greater; I must become less (John 3: 30).
In preparation for the holiest of days, you and I are called to be humble and intentional followers by spring cleaning our souls.
Our hearts yearn to be made anew. Only Jesus can make it so.
Instead of thinking it is up to you and I to have all the answers we can turn to the One who does. The Bible is full of examples that point to God’s Son, the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In the words of John the Baptist, The one who comes from above is above all. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life (John 3: 31,34-36).
Chosen not forsaken, Jesus took your sins and mine to the cross. Knowing the Truth you and I are set free.
Come now my friend, let us reflect, recharge, and reclaim our life in Christ. Everything is in his hands. Everything.
Let’s pray.
O’ Lord,
Please forgive me for drifting off course and relying on myself instead of you. May my actions no longer betray you. Please Lord, guide me to declutter my mind. Help me spring clean my soul. Refine me, renew me, and wash away my self centeredness. Help me, Lord, pull the weeds of distraction, so I may blossom and grow into the person you are calling me to be. Grant me a childlike faith to surrender everything to you. For great is your faithfulness, Lord. Thank you, Lord.
Amen.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
Wishing you a beautiful day!
With love and blessings.
For greater reflection enjoy a gratitude walk to meditate on the transformative power of spring. Think about how this season can help you rely on God's faithfulness as you prepare for the celebration of Easter.
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Sue Dick, Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
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