Seasons

Life is made up of seasons. Cycles. But something in human nature abhors change. When we are in the midst of circumstances we like, we don’t welcome change. We get comfortable. Whatever makes us comfortable, we want to hold onto. We want to remain comfortable. Sometimes we don’t welcome change even when we are in the midst of undesirable circumstances, because somehow the familiar is less threatening than the unknown.

Yet, we see change in our world continually. Day turns to dusk, then evening. The darkness of night is followed by the dawn. No matter how much we like a particular part of the day, it is fleeting, temporary. The same is true with the seasons of the year. Spring gives way to summer heat. Summer turns chilly and leads into fall. The trees drop their leaves and a winter bleakness replaces all the vibrant and abundant color evident a few weeks before. A different kind of beauty settles in with layers of fresh snow. Then, about the time we get tired of shoveling snow, carrying firewood, and bundling up against the cold, the trees start to bud with new leaves and spring returns.

Even the spectacular appearance of a sunrise or sunset shifts in a matter of moments. It changes. Nothing in nature is static.

Perhaps the patterns of change all around us are designed to teach us change is inevitable. Could it be that everything changes around us in nature as a way of reassuring us change is a good thing, completely natural, and something to be expected?

Change is a repeated theme in the Bible. Abraham is settled in one place, and God tells him it is time to move on–without telling him where (Genesis 12:1). Elijah experienced God’s provision at the brook at Kerith, in the middle of a drought and famine. Every day he drank from the brook and ravens brought him food. Then the brook dried up and God sent him to another unlikely place of His provision (1 Kings 17:2-9). Paul was on a murderous mission when God got his attention with a blinding light and sent him to disciple school (Acts 9:1-31).

God may use change to get our attention as well. Changes in our health, our finances, or our relationships can be uncomfortable and frightening. But such changes are effective at teaching us about God’s provision and His dependability when everything around us crumbles.

The things of this life are temporary. Even when we are heavenly-minded, it is easy to get attached to the gifts God provides. But He provides them for a season. Places, friendships, responsibilities, or possessions can all be gifts God uses to teach us about Himself. They prompt us to be grateful for His generosity. We grieve at their loss, but even in loss, God continually teaches us about His loving care. He alone is constant, changeless. We can be grateful for the things God gives us. But we can trust Him when He removes them.

God may move us away from what is comfortable in order to mature our faith, to show us He is our security. He is our stability. He doesn’t change. Through all the seasons of our lives, He is steadfast in His love and care for us. In the midst of change, we can have faith in His unchangeable nature.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

How have you experienced God’s faithful care during the different seasons of your life? Please leave a comment below.

Blessings,
Phyllis

Image by Adina Voicu from Pixabay