SEASONS OF OUR LIVES

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

In our area of the South, we are blessed to experience all four seasons. We are now in the fall season and will soon see the glorious colors that this season brings. Our yard is full of leaves and we await the final falling before the raking begins. Actually, Ted will mulch the leaves with the mower, and I will eventually rake the remaining leaves. Soon the winter season will set in. Then comes spring (my favorite), summer, and then back to fall. The seasons are constantly changing and will continue to do so. “While the earth remaineth, seed time (spring) and harvest (fall), and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22).

Our Lives

In looking at our lives, I have compared them to the four seasons. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten (70); and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years (80), yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away…So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:10,12).

Spring: Birth – 20 years
Summer: 20 – 40 years
Fall: 40 – 60 years
Winter: 60 – To the end of life

Somewhere In Between

We have life, springtime. We journey through summer and fall and it seems that too quickly winter sets in and life is over. Recently we received a text from some dear friends who have four precious boys. The text showed four medium-sized pumpkins and one small one. It read, “Our pumpkin patch is growing.” That meant the fifth child was on the way. A few days later, we received a call from a friend who was at the bedside of his mother. He said, “Mom stepped into Heaven this morning.” This is a vivid illustration of a new life beginning and a life ending on earth. We all live somewhere in between.

God Never Changes

The seasons of nature change, and so do the seasons of our lives. Our lives do not stay the same for very long. At times we welcome change, but often it is difficult. In every season of our lives, there are blessings and challenges, gain and loss, tears and laughter. It seems for most of us, the winter season is the hardest. In the winter of life, our bodies are weakened, our health and strength begin to fail, and often our very existence seems to depend on others. In every change, in every season of our lives, we can be thankful that God does not change. “For I am the LORD, I change not…” (Malachi 3:6). Because our Heavenly Father remains the same, we can trust Him through the changing seasons of our lives. His presence is always with us. “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). His peace will guard our hearts and our minds. “And the peace of God… shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). His love gives us security. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

God is Faithful

In whatever season you find yourself, remember that God is faithful. He will supply your need. Look to Him at all times. He is good all the time, in all seasons. In laughter, thank Him. In sorrow and loss, trust Him. In times of change, He changes not! Remember, He is faithful, He changes not.

The words of one of my favorite hymns
by William M. Runyan says it all.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning
with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not:
As Thou hast been Thou forever will be.
Summer and winter, and spring-time and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside (more)!
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided – Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!