For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)
I have had many seasons in my life. My guess is, so have you. I’m not talking Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall - though we’ve likely all experienced our share of these. My favourite thing about God is that everything He does has a purpose - down to the times of the year. We see object lessons if we look, and amazing truths can be discovered. The same could be said in each season we find ourselves in.
In the last 4 years alone, I’ve found myself in so many different ones: as unemployed, as a graduate student in a city where I knew no one, as a newlywed pastor’s wife and homemaker, as a part-time teacher’s aide, and now as a full-time teacher juggling many responsibilities. This one is extremely busy. Each season has been trying in their own way and some were even satisfying and fulfilling, but in every one of them, I’ve come to learn that true contentment that comes only from the Lord. I have also learned that even though it is difficult at times to see, God is in every season.
Each differs and some seasons last longer than others, but one thing remains constant; the love of God and the fact that we need Him. How amazing that God wants to be near us in everything we go through!
In seasons of closeness with God, delight in Him and savour His presence (see Psalm 37:4).
In seasons of doubt and drought, remember the delight you found in God’s presence, and cling to Him (see Psalm 77:11).
In seasons of busy-ness, find quiet times to be restored. Remember that your life exists not without the Creator (see Isaiah 40:28).
In seasons of God-gifted love, remember that God is Love, and we can only love the way He loves when we love Him with our whole heart (see 1 John 4:8).
In seasons of hunger, remember that Jesus is the bread of life (see John 6:35).
In seasons of disappointment, rely not on your feelings. The heart is deceptive...who can know it (see Jeremiah 17:9)? Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
In seasons of uncertainty, hold fast to the promise that God is the same yesterday, today and forever (see Hebrews 13:8).
In seasons of searching, seek for the Lord (see Deuteronomy 4:29)!
In seasons of longing, remember that God is the strength of your heart (see Psalm 73:26).
In seasons of shame, remember that Christ restores (see Psalm 51).
In seasons of contentment, thank God for His many blessings, and share them with others (see Psalm 9:1)!
In seasons of discontent, remember that God will never leave you and is all that you need (See Hebrews 13:5).
In seasons of discouragement, remember that God’s grace is sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).
In seasons of confusion, remember the truth will set you free (see John 8:32).
In seasons of anxiety, remember that God has everything under control (see Matthew 6:25-34).
In seasons of joy, rejoice! This is the day the Lord has made! (see Psalm 118:24).
What seasons are you experiencing in your life right now?
