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Episode 2, Spring Joy: Unpack Your Bags
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In this episode, lean into spring's joy as we remember that God's promises always accompany God's redirection. Listen in to the voice of Jeremiah calling us to a new beginning with God at the center. As we choose to 'unpack our bags,' spring's joy reaches forward to God's promises and hopes which are good and not for harm. Listen in! **And please leave your comments below. Your comments and review help others find this podcast!
Spring is the season of potential. But for the bulbs and for us, spring comes only after winter has finished its work.
Jeremiah 29 lands us in this soon-to-be-spring-but-not-quite-yet season of life.
This is what the LORD says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.” Jeremiah 29:10, NLT
What does God instruct His people to do? How does joy find expression during Israel's captivity?
- Unpack your bags and bloom where you’re planted (verses 5-6).
- Work for peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile (verse 7).
- Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare (verse 7).
Some stumbling blocks to ‘unpacking’ our bags:
- Having a temporary mindset
- Things aren’t like they used to be
- 'Cleaned-up' memories make our hearts ache for the ways things were before
- Fear of the unknown
- Despair/shame/guilt for being in this situation at all—I made my bed and now I’m stuck in it. No unpacking for me.
At some point, we must put aside the stumbling blocks and unpack our bags in order to choose spring's joy.
Joy grows in us when we take God at His Word.
Like spring bulbs that must push through the darker edges of winter, we choose joy when we allow God’s mercy and kindness to lift us out.
Spring joy's invitation: Will you be brought back home again--to a new beginning with God at the center?
Questions to consider as you choose joy around winter’s edges into spring:
- Where do you think God wants to take you?
- What might you need to leave behind?
- Friends, let’s identify what’s challenging to genuinely unpack and stay awhile.
- Consider this week how you might serve your community. What will you do and how will you do it?
- Write a brief prayer for your neighborhood or community. And then pray it--3 times this week.
Joy results in forwarding movement. Toward God and toward others.
**Before you go, would you please comment below? Your review helps others find this podcast!
Complete show notes coming soon on my blog!
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