APRIL 24

“The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds has come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”
(Song of Solomon 2:12)

Sweet is the season of spring! The long and dreary winter makes us appreciate the warm, refreshing weather, and the promise of summer enhances the joys of the present. After periods of spiritual depression, it is delightful to behold again the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Our dormant graces awaken from their lethargy, just as the crocus and daffodil rise from their beds in the earth. At this time, our hearts are made merry with notes of gratitude that are far more melodious than the songs of birds. The comforting assurance of peace, even more delightful than the turtle’s call, resonates within our souls.

Now is the moment for the soul to seek communion with her Beloved. We must rise from our habitual indifference and step away from our old associations. If we do not hoist the sail when the breeze is favorable, we shall be to blame; times of refreshing should not pass us by without being embraced. When Jesus Himself visits us in tenderness and entreats us to arise, can we be so ungrateful as to refuse His request? He has risen that He may draw us to Him. He has revived us through His Holy Spirit, so that we may, in newness of life, ascend to the heavenly realms and hold communion with Him.

Let our wintry state serve as a reminder of coldness and indifference; when the Lord creates a spring within us, let our sap flow with vigor, and let our branches bloom with high resolve. O Lord, if it is not springtime in my chilly heart, I pray that You make it so, for I am truly weary of living at a distance from You. Oh, long and dreary winter, when will you come to an end?

Come, Holy Spirit, and renew my soul! Quicken me! Restore me, and have mercy on me! This very night, I earnestly ask the Lord to take pity upon His servant and send me a joyful revival of spiritual life!