As I sit on my porch, with the last of winter’s wind chilling my shoulders, it feels like there’s a war for seasons. But we know who wins.

Spring pushes back winter’s dread, making its arrival known. With her entrance, renewal is assured.

Hundreds of goldfinches add their voices to the swaying, creaking pine trees. As the birds move about, the trees look like their branches are adorned with yellow and black flowers.

Crocus push through the snow-dappled grass, adding an array of purple petals and white-striped forest green leaves. Yellow daffodils poke their heads above the mulch where the deer stroll. These beauties scent the air with a peppery-floral bouquet.

The grass awakes, its lime-green protrusions amidst the thatch dot the landscape. A natural spring that has been frozen all winter, gurgles across the grass and clay, etching a zigzag into the terra cotta. A bumblebee sips from the rock the stream wets.

The first hummingbird makes his appearance and flashes a jeweled color array.

My koi awake from sleep, begging for morsels from my hand. A dove lands on the edge of the pond with his mate in tow. Together, they bob their heads in a delightful display of affection.

Yes, spring has arrived. There is no stopping her. She has pushed winter aside, and soon there will be no more cold days left. Soon, the light of spring will melt the remaining winter’s snowy dew.

“Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land…Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away!”

~Song of Solomon 2:10-12, 13b NKJV

A scene in Song of Solomon paints this renewal well, but in the vignette, it is not just a renewal of seasons—it is the renewal of you. As the Beloved appears on the scene, He wars with the winter that plagues our soul, and He wins, renewing us as the spring.

Our Bridegroom invites us to come away with Him, assuring us that no matter how much we still feel winter winds nipping at our joy, He has overcome all sadness. Winter is “over and gone,” He assures us, being totally defeated by the love and peace He brings. And–as we choose to rise into our Bridegroom’s arms–He kisses us with divine peace.

“O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”

~Song of Solomon 2:14 NKJV

Our Bridegroom wants our relationship to be like the turtledove pair, both partners enticed by divine romance. Do we hear His beckoning love song? Will we answer Him, rise, and come away? Will we return His divine love expressions and permit Him to rule our spirit?

Spring has arrived. Renewal is here.

“Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like the gazelle or a young stag upon the mountains of Bether.”

~Song of Solomon 2:17 NKJV

Any shadowy lies that have plagued us dissipate in the glory of our Bridegroom. He dances upon the mountain as a youthful stag or a stotting gazelle–preparing our victory and keeping us safe. He is the Lord of spring, and our wedding dance has begun.

Spring has arrived. For He is here. Yes, our Bridegroom is here.

Have you answered your Bridegroom’s call?

My Beloved Bridegroom Jesus Christ, thank You for calling me to come away with You. Renewing me as I answer Your call. Help me to prioritize having these spiritual retreats with You daily.

Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Renewal of the Bride: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved