Spring seems to have finally arrived! Blooming trees and flowers, green grass, singing birds, and warmer temperatures are welcome friends after the many dreary days of winter. Having lived in Pennsylvania for my entire life, I have always looked forward to the changing seasons.
The obvious changes to the world around me stirs within me new desires.
I look forward to decorating my home for the new season and doing things with my family that are specific to that time of year.
Sled riding, shoveling snow, and countless mugs of steaming hot cocoa occupy some of our winter days. Springtime means cleaning inside and out, getting outdoors as much as possible, and opening the windows! Vacations, pool time, camp, and many outside adventures are included in our summers. Bonfires, hayrides, and apples in any way, shape, or form are treasured parts of our fall.
The word “season” has come up in many of my conversations lately. Sometimes the topic of conversation has been in regard to the weather, while other times it has been concerning “seasons of life.” Life seasons can be described in a variety of ways. Enjoyable, carefree, busy, stressful, lonely, painful, and sad are just a few words that I heard in my dialogue with others. The verses in Ecclesiastes have come to my mind in these recent conversations.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes reminds us that God has allowed certain times in our lives. Some of these times are rewarding and peaceful, while other times are downright heart-wrenching.
I have definitely enjoyed some seasons more than others. Seasons of spiritual drought, tough relationships, sickness, and sadness are seasons I would rather not endure. Give me the times of “smooth sailing,” harmony, and happiness any day!
Through it all, no matter what season I find myself in at the moment, I am reminded that God is in control. What is He trying to teach me or remind me in this season? In times of tranquility, am I thanking the Lord for his blessings and provision? In times of heartache, am I leaning on His strength and love? How is my attitude in my current season? How am I treating others in my circumstances? Am I enjoying this season or am I wishing it away? Is Jesus being glorified in both the good and the bad times?
I also find great comfort in knowing that the “hard” seasons won’t last forever! They are temporary!
God’s mercies are new every morning as we read in Lamentations 3:22-24:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
What season are you in right now? Is it a season of joy or sorrow? A busy season? An uncertain season? A stressful season?
No matter where life finds you, God loves you and walks this path with you. We are never alone. Jesus understands and died for you. The Holy Spirit is there to comfort you. What more can we ask for?