In part one of “Seasons Change,” I stated that I believe there are only two things that will never change. One is God and the other is the fact that things change. New and different seasons will come and go in all of our lives, just like the seasons of this world change. Maybe you are the kind of person who does not like change or maybe you are kind of person who prefers to have a constant flow of new and different things. Either way, we can all be sure that change is inevitable.
While God is constant and unchanging, He did not create our world in this way. In Genesis 1:14 God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.” The changing seasons were no accident. Spring, summer, fall and winter not only lend a lovely change in temperature, but a change takes place in the atmosphere around us as flowers bloom, snow falls, or leaves change color. Beauty can always be found when a new season approaches, and the same can be said for new seasons in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3 is one of the most well known chapters in the Bible that refers to seasons changing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” If we did not experience the highs and the lows of this life, how would we ever grow spiritually, mentally, or emotionally?
In part one of “Seasons Change,” I shared that I am walking in new season in my own life. Since the year began my husband and I started a local outreach, sold our home, moved, are having a new home built, discovered we’re having a baby, made the decision to give up two of our three dogs, (although we are having difficulty finding new homes for them), and I stopped serving in three areas of ministry at our church, in order to serve in one. After having a difficult time meeting with my church leaders to find the exact place for me, due to busy schedules, I now have not been serving in any area in our church for months, which has made me feel disconnected from my church home. I have also had to make some decisions about the relationships in my life and whether they are healthy or unhealthy, reliable or one sided, and I have had to set some boundaries. All of these things are coupled with the fact that my mother, grandmother, and family friend who I consider to be “my second mother” have all fallen ill within the last few months, and this has all been difficult on me emotionally.
Some of these changes in my life have been wonderful changes and blessings that I am thankful for, while other changes have been more difficult and challenging. Whether you are going through the valley or on the top of the hill, a new season in anyone’s life can lead to many mixed emotions. So, what do we hold on to, how can we find joy in our pain, and how do we feel secure, when everything is changing? We must hold on to the One who is unchanging. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).” This is God’s promise to us. No matter what we are facing, we can rely on Him. God loves us (John 3:16), He has a plan to prosper, not harm us, give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11), and He works things out for our own good (Romans 8:28). Even if we are mourning, we can still rejoice, if we remember that weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
What are some ways we can maintain our sanity and emotional well being, when a season of our life is difficult? First and foremost, we have to trust God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “We live by faith, not by sight.” As Christians we need to see beyond our circumstances. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).” God is bigger than any situation or circumstance, and we need to remember that. It may be difficult to see beyond your circumstances, but if you want to live a life that is victorious, then you cannot allow the moments in your life to destroy you, weigh you down, steal your joy or shake your peace. Also, if you want to please God, then you have to stay in faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Trusting God by staying in faith is one way to maintain a healthy well being during a challenging season. Another way to remain healthy is to connect with God. Maybe you connect with Him through prayer. Maybe you connect with Him by reading His Word. Maybe you connect with Him when you worship and praise Him. However you connect with God, then continue to do it. God is Our Father, Friend, and Counselor. He is our biggest ally, and He is powerful. Not only will the Lord provide comfort to us as we seek Him, but He will give us the grace and the power to get through moments in our lives that we could not bear to face on our own. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).”
Lastly, a way to remain healthy when you are facing a difficult season is to nourish the relationships in your life. It’s important to fellowship with others. Maybe you’re not feeling very social, as you walk through this valley in your life, but spending time with family and close friends will benefit you in a number of ways. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Adam needed a friend, a mate, and a companion to share this life with, and so do we. Spending time with loved ones will allow you the opportunity to share your burdens with them, and it is a way to find support, love, and encouragement from others. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.” Not only will fellowship with others help you through a painful season, but it will provide a way for you to get out and about and have some fun, as well.
As I said in part one of “Seasons Change,” we may not be able to rejoice because of our present situation, but we can rejoice in spite of our present situation! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).” God is good, and He loves you!
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