Recently, I was looking up the first day of summer and became aware that it depends on whether you’re referring to meteorological or astronomical summer. Meteorological summer begins on June 1, 2025, in the Northern Hemisphere and is used for statistical and forecasting purposes. Astronomical summer starts on June 20, 2025, in the Northern Hemisphere, marked by the summer solstice when the Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum. I never knew.
However, I know that as June ushers in the warmth of summer, we stand at a threshold of renewal and growth. The earth awakens with vibrant blooms and longer days, mirroring the spiritual renewal God invites us into. The psalmist in Psalm 51:10 cries out for forgiveness and renewal, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” This season, let us embrace the opportunity to refresh our faith, deepen our connection with Christ, and flourish as a community rooted in Christ’s love and committed to knowing God and making Him known.
Renewal begins with an open heart. Consider a gardener tending a neglected plot. Once hard and barren, the soil yields to careful nurturing, such as watering and weeding, and with the help of sunlight, it transforms into fertile ground. Or so I am told. I am no gardener. It is the same way with our souls. The cares of life can harden us, but God’s grace softens our hearts, preparing us for growth. In John 15:5, Jesus reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Abiding in Christ through prayer, studying and applying scripture, and living a life of daily worship renews our spirit and empowers us to bear fruit that glorifies God.
This June, let us commit to personal renewal. Perhaps it’s time to revive a prayer habit, dive deeper into God’s Word, or grow as an everyday missionary. Our spiritual vitality shapes every aspect of our lives. One practical step might be setting aside ten minutes daily to reflect on a verse, like Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.” Let God’s truth soak into your soul, renewing your perspective and purpose and enriching your faith journey.
Growth, however, is not solitary. It flourishes in Christian community. Consider a forest where each tree stands tall, yet their roots intertwine, strengthening one another against storms. Crosswinds is like that forest, bound by shared faith. This summer, let’s grow together. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” Your presence strengthens our collective growth, just as your absence leaves a gap.
Renewal and growth also invite us to embrace change. A caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly is not without struggle, yet it emerges more beautiful and free. God often calls us through seasons of discomfort to refine us. Isaiah 43:19 declares, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Trust that God is at work, even in uncertainty. Whether facing a new job, a family challenge, or a spiritual dry spell, lean into God’s promise to make streams in the desert.
As we step into June, let’s reflect on where God is calling us to grow. Are there habits to release or relationships to mend? Are there gifts you’ve yet to share with our church family? The great preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.” Our growth in Christ compels us to share His love through a kind word, a helping hand, or a bold testimony.
Summer’s light encourages us to shine in knowing Him and making Him known. Let us trust God to renew our hearts, grow us in community, and trust God’s transformative work. May we be like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season (Psalm 1:3). Together, let’s make this coming summer a season of spiritual flourishing, bearing fruit that endures for eternity. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!