As I look back, bask in the warmth of the sun, and enjoy the long days of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect and share the spiritual lessons this season has taught me.
Abundance and Provision
Just as summer brings forth an abundance of fruits and flowers, God's love and provision is abundant in my life. I have learned to trust in His goodness and generosity, just as the earth trusts in the sun's nourishing rays.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
This summer has brought forth emotional and physical turmoil here in the Midwest. The flooding disaster has affected so many people. Heartache abounds at the loss of so many homes and personal belongings.
God’s grace has also been seen as people come together to love and support one another. God’s grace has been seen through no loss of life. God’s grace is abundant, and He has brought and continues to bring provision to the needs of His children.
Growth and Renewal
Summer is a time of growth and renewal. As we tend to our gardens and watch them flourish, let's also nurture our spiritual growth through prayer, worship, and service to others.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
What a beautiful reminder that personal growth isn’t just about us. It is also about growing in our relationship with God.
My friends, I encourage you to continually grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This means not just learning about Him, but also experiencing His grace in your life.
God tells us that in this world we will have trouble. I know through my own experience that I need Him during those difficult times in order to feel the peace and joy I long for!
As I grow personally, I also deepen my understanding of God’s love and mercy. This spiritual growth goes hand-in-hand with my personal development, guiding me towards becoming a better version of myself and who God is calling me to be.
I pray that you experience this too.
Rest and Refreshment
Summer's warmth invites us to slow down, rest, and recharge. Let's prioritize self-care and remember that rest is a gift from God, just as the Sabbath is a day of rest and rejuvenation.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Mathew 11:28-30 (NIV)
This verse reminds us that Jesus is always there for us, and He offers us rest. He understands our burdens and offers us an easy way out, through Him.
Rest doesn’t just mean sleep. It can also include other activities that help us relax and rejuvenate. To me, summer is the best time for this kind of rest and refreshment.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to experience this kind of rest in the beauty of His creation while vacationing with friends. As I sat and felt the warmth of the sun and sat in the beauty of His creation, I found rest for my soul.
Community and Connection
Summer often brings people together – whether at barbecues, beach trips, or outdoor gatherings. Let's cherish these moments of connection and community, just as God desires us to live in harmony with one another.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
...And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand Him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9,12 (NIV)
What community comes down to is lifting each other up, learning from one another, and being the type of friend we all need. It can be hard for some of us to commit to community, especially if we’re guarded or prefer solitude. But community is God’s desire for us, and it’s a sign of a mature faith. Because at the end of the day, when we grow in our relationships with other believers, we grow in relationship with Him!
Gratitude and Joy
As we soak up the sunshine and enjoy the simple pleasures of what is left of summer, let's cultivate gratitude and joy in our hearts. May our lives reflect the beauty and wonder of God's creation.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
It is God’s will that you rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. God’s will for your life is about more than the circumstances you face. It is about how you respond to those circumstances.
I pray that we all find the best of summer as a reflection of God's love and goodness in our lives!
With love and joy,
Laura
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