Seasons

Our lives are made up of "seasons".  The wise Solomon reminds us of this truth in 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."

The reality is that life is not constant, things are always changing, and that we aren't promised anything about tomorrow. Whether you are 22, 35, or 67, you can attest to the truth of this.  You can look back on your life and see seasons where you were living in what seemed like complete bliss, and others that have left scar tissue on your heart.  There seemed to be good in every season and trouble, moments where you went with more than you could have asked or imagined and moments where you seemed to be in 'want'.  In each season there was joy and tears, and in each season you found yourself recognizing your dependence on the Sovereign God more and more.  

Each season, always purposeful in many ways, seem to always remind us of that very Truth- our dependence on the Sovereign God. The wise Lord purposes and mixes each season with joy and sorrow in order for our faith to increase, our Christ-likeness to grow, our hearts to be refocused, and His glory to be shown.  I love the fresh start of a new season, because often it is mixed with much joy and excitement of what is to come; but on the flip side, I am somewhat even more in awe in the midst of the season as I find myself remembering my utter dependence upon Him for ALL things-even those things that bring me joy.  

Looking back on the seasons you have went through is a good thing.  You may reflect on your childhood and praise God for salvation, you may remember your college age years and the struggles you faced in standing for the Truth amidst a generation that wanted nothing to do with God, you find joy in remembering the day God brought your other half into your life and the honeymoon bliss you experienced, or maybe you remember the amazing joy and discouraged tears you went through as you raised children of your own...(and the list goes on).  In each season you can see God's handprints, His perfect working, and your dependence on Him.  

Whatever season you might be in, find joy and strength in knowing He is working perfectly for your good and the glory of His name...and remember, your total dependence on Him, no matter where you are, find hope and peace in that.  Look back on each season, and be grateful, and see today, the season you are living in, as a gift from Him!