Verses 1-14
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Verses 8-12. The dove that Noah sent out is an indication of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16). God, at different times in history, has sent out His Holy Spirit to people, but the Spirit had to return to Him.
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As believers, now that God has finished cleansing sin from our hearts (like the waters on the earth that finished receding), God has given us His Spirit to stay with us forever (John 14:16-17), just like the dove that was sent out and did not return to Noah any longer.
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Remember that the dove did not stay on the earth until the floodwaters were done.
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We learn from this that God only gives the Holy Spirit to those whom He has finished purifying. If you have the Spirit of God (if you're saved), you can know God has purified you (Titus 3:5-7)! Rejoice in this!
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Because God has given you His Spirit to be with you forever, you can know that God has approved you to be in His kingdom and to have a relationship with Him (Acts 15:9).
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Remember that your works have not saved you or gained you God's approval. God's mercy has saved you. The Holy Spirit in you, even with your imperfections, should always remind you that you are qualified only because of what Christ has done for you! Also see Ephesians 1:13.
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Verses 15-19
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After the flood was finished, the first thing God commanded Noah to do was to leave the ark.
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This reminds us, since we who are believers are forgiven of our sins, that we should leave the old way—we should not remember our old sins anymore (Philippians 3:13-14). We should live our lives thankful and happy about what God has done for us (Philippians 4:4).
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The second thing God commanded Noah to do was to live a fruitful life on the earth once again. God gave Noah the same command that was given to Adam and Eve before sin was ever in the earth (Genesis 1:28).
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This reminds us that, after forgetting the old life, we should have hope that we can live a new, fruitful life that is pleasing to God! We don't have to repeat the old ways. Believe God that you can be a great follower of Christ (see Colossians 1:6,9-12).
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Verses 20-22
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Verse 22. This is a simple reminder that God will keep the earth stable and livable as long as the earth exists. One day the earth will be destroyed and remade. But until then, do not worry about the planet's condition. Do well to take care of the part of the planet you live in, but don't fret. Planting and harvesting, and summer and winter will continue no matter what!