Because of Yeshua [Jesus]

Seasons Change

November 13th, 2008

It’s late fall here in New Hampshire. All the leaves are down and we are already getting snow in the mountains. Some of the ski resorts will be open by the end of this month. For me, this is a favorite time of year. I enjoy the crisp fall air. I thoroughly enjoyed the changing color of the leaves and, even now, there is a certain beauty. The beauty is in the shapes of the branches and the backdrop of the pines, hemlocks, spruce etc.

As I was looking at all the naked trees, I was reminded of how the cycle of the seasons can affect people. For some, moods can change with the seasons. Here in northern New England, fall and winter can be very depressing for many people. The long months of overcast skies and cold temperatures can become hard to take. For those who live in more northern climes, it must be even worse. I’ve heard others talk of fall as being a time of death–at least, it looks like everything has died.

I guess everyone really knows that it is just a time when the trees go dormant. It’s a time of rest and renewal. It’s a time when the earth is replenished with needed moisture. And, thank God, it is a time without mosquitoes. Fall is just a part of a cycle which Father gave us. It’s a change of season.

Everything goes through “seasons of change.” Nations, economies, nature and people. As I think about seasons, I’m reminded that Father is in complete control, no matter what season it may be. It’s a great blessing to know that He is in control and that He cares for us enough to sacrifice His Son for us.

Usually, when we think about the seasons of our lives, we relate it to our age. Maybe we think about the passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1 that says; “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” We talk about the passing of the seasons and look at “old age” as our winter. Our trust is that after the winter, there will be “new life” with Christ. All of that is valid and a comforting thought, especially when you are in the fall or winter of life. But, what about now?

How do the seasons relate to today; the right now part of life? In a time of economic struggles and many other uncertainties, how can we take comfort from the lessons in nature? I hear individuals who aren’t sure if they will be able to cope with everything. I know people who lost retirement income with the problems in the stock markets. I have a family member who has lost his home due to foreclosure. How are we supposed to deal with all the hardships we see around us in this time?

Seasons change. Perhaps, if we can remind ourselves that this is simply a change of season, we can look forward to the coming of something better. In nature, the something better is the new life of spring. Remember, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Times have been tough before. Father knows that and He knows what our needs are. Father has already provided a place for my family member to live and He will provide your needs as well. Trust in Him.

When the Israelites were faced with entering the promised land, Moses said to them and to Joshua; “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

King Solomon built a temple for the Lord and had the ark of the covenant brought up to be placed in the temple. After sacrifices were made, Solomon prayed. Toward the end of his prayer, he said; “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways and to keep the commands, decrees and regulations he gave our fathers.” (1 Kings 8:56-58)

The Hebrew writer reminded the people of what had been written in Deuteronomy 31:8, when he wrote; “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.‘” (Hebrews 13:5)

What about these promises of Jesus?

He said to his disciples; “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20) That promise is to us as well.

Jesus also said; “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Seasons change, but our Father and our Brother never do. They are constant and they constantly love and provide for us. Can anything change that? The apostle Paul writes to the Roman church; “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

Don’t be afraid of the seasons. Seasons change and with the change comes new life. Instead, do what Paul told the Philippians to do; “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7)

Shalom

Entry Filed under: Faith, Nature, OutThere, Prayer