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Nature is God's mirror, in which the "invisible things of Him" can be "clearly seen." Spring is God's parable, in which He speaks as the Saviour did when He turned our attention to the lilies of the field.

I. IN THE WORLD AROUND, AND IN THE WORLD WITHIN, THERE IS A CHANGE WHICH ONLY THE CREATOR'S POWER CAN BRING ABOUT. Nature apart from God is but a name. The truth may be used as an instrument, the chances and changes of life may be pressed into service, and the ministries of pastors, teachers, and parents may be employed; but after all we have to say, "Thou renewest." It is only "He that "sitteth" upon the throne that can say, "Behold, I make all things new."

II. LIKE THE RENEWAL OF THE FACE OF THE EARTH, THE SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IS OFTEN GRADUAL AND WITHOUT CLEARLY MARKED STAGES. We do not trouble about the almanack when we see the bursting blossoms and hear the song of birds. And you need not trouble as to how the "beauty of holiness" came to you, or when the "new song" was put into your mouth; it is enough that you sing and make melody in your heart unto the Lord, and that the new life is yours.

III. IN BOTH CASES GOD'S RENEWING WORK SEEMS OFT RETARDED BY HINDRANCES, AND PROCEEDS BY WAY OF REMOVING THINGS UNSUITABLE. Buds of promise may be nipped, flowers of grace may be withered, fruits of holiness may be retarded in their ripening; but He who worketh hitherto will work, He will not "fail nor be discouraged," for the fulness of the Spirit is with Him.

(T. Hind.)

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KJV: Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

WEB: You send forth your Spirit: they are created. You renew the face of the ground.