I always look forward to Spring. It’s my favorite time of the year. Our valley has turned a verdant green, the birds are singing and the tulips and daffodils have burst into bloom. It’s a beautiful time of year!
Unfortunately, we didn’t get all the leaves raked up last fall and, now that the snow is gone, there are dark, wet mats of dead leaves scattered over our lawn. In these areas the grass is struggling to break through. If I don’t get out there soon and rake the grass will die.
My life feels like that sometimes. The weight of my past mistakes lays heavy on my soul, like the dead leaves on our lawn, keeping me from fully enjoying the new life Christ wants for me.
Sometimes I despair I will ever be able to grow beyond my past, but God is not finished with me yet. Just as He sends the Spring breezes to dry up and sweep away the rotted refuse of Fall, so I feel the Holy Spirit, like a gentle breeze, sweep across my soul, blowing away the guilt and shame of my past. The burden lifted, I feel the light of the Son warm my cold heart. I am “a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
No matter what you’ve done or how heavy your guilt, your past need not define your future. Guilt and shame does not need to hold you back. Give it all to Jesus. He promises “if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9. If you will let Him, God will sweep away the refuse of your past, that you may grow into new life in Him.
It’s springtime, my friend! It’s time for new beginnings. Give Jesus your heart today and let Him bring new life to your soul. Let the Holy Spirit sweep away the past, so you may step joyfully into the light of Son. You are “a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Now get out there and enjoy it!