Monday, February 26, 2007
Find Rest in the Spring
Our lives often cycle through change like the seasons of the year. A friend’s words challenged me to think about how God can use whatever season we’re in spiritually to develop His character in us. We may not like the season of summer with its uncomfortable drought and suffocating heat; however, maybe during this season, we cling to the Lord for much needed strength and sustenance from our weariness.
In contrast, perhaps in the fall, our lives are full of blessings, reflected in the plush red and orange leaves hanging from the trees. We feel God’s goodness in the awesome gifts He has given to us. During this season, we can relax amongst His many provisions. We feel his comfort in the hugs and laughter of our loved ones. We even put on a few pounds of comfort food that we’ve eaten at holiday parties and celebrations. The warm cup of cocoa prepares us for a comfortable night’s rest.
But, then the winter sets in. We are likely not even prepared for its shocking bite. Devastation and dismay enter our lives unsolicited. Maybe it’s the loss of a job or an unplanned pregnancy. Maybe it’s a sickness or a death in the family. Things seem out of control and peace and order seem distant. As the icy storm sets upon us, is it really possible for God to do a work in our hearts? When we feel chilled to the bone with life’s many questions and problems, it is the perfect time to cling to God’s word, allowing His comfort and promises to warm our souls. The Lord reminds us through his prophet Zechariah that it is, “… ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6). Likewise, Paul so wisely encourages us by his words to the Philippians stating, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
There is hope because we serve a loving God. The winter that depletes us of our joy will turn into spring offering hope and joy. Bulbs begin to burst through the cold ground. Flower blossoms shower us with a rainbow of colors. We feel the doubts and difficulties dissipate, as they even fade into a calm quietness. A soft wind touches our cheek; a butterfly floats effortlessly along. Life is okay. Our children are okay. Our marriages are good. Our cupboards are full of food and the cars are running fine. Life is comfortable and things are as they should be.
Then the drought hits again as summer sets in and the lawns begin to brown once again. The air loses its moisture and the birds’ singing is not quite as melodious, nor the smell of nectar as sweet. And we have said goodbye to the season of blessing and tranquility…or have we?
Another great friend offered me the perspective of how God wants us to be in a place of change and of uncertainty, so that we might not cling to this place as our home. For, our residence is in heaven with Jesus and the saints that accompany Him. Someday soon we will reside in heaven with our Lord, where pain, doubt, and sorrow will no longer affect us. We will be in a season of perpetual spring, with unending joy and peace.
Whatever season our heart resides in now, let us “… fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Together as believers, let us await our permanent home in heaven where we will find rest in the eternal season of spring.
In contrast, perhaps in the fall, our lives are full of blessings, reflected in the plush red and orange leaves hanging from the trees. We feel God’s goodness in the awesome gifts He has given to us. During this season, we can relax amongst His many provisions. We feel his comfort in the hugs and laughter of our loved ones. We even put on a few pounds of comfort food that we’ve eaten at holiday parties and celebrations. The warm cup of cocoa prepares us for a comfortable night’s rest.
But, then the winter sets in. We are likely not even prepared for its shocking bite. Devastation and dismay enter our lives unsolicited. Maybe it’s the loss of a job or an unplanned pregnancy. Maybe it’s a sickness or a death in the family. Things seem out of control and peace and order seem distant. As the icy storm sets upon us, is it really possible for God to do a work in our hearts? When we feel chilled to the bone with life’s many questions and problems, it is the perfect time to cling to God’s word, allowing His comfort and promises to warm our souls. The Lord reminds us through his prophet Zechariah that it is, “… ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6). Likewise, Paul so wisely encourages us by his words to the Philippians stating, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
There is hope because we serve a loving God. The winter that depletes us of our joy will turn into spring offering hope and joy. Bulbs begin to burst through the cold ground. Flower blossoms shower us with a rainbow of colors. We feel the doubts and difficulties dissipate, as they even fade into a calm quietness. A soft wind touches our cheek; a butterfly floats effortlessly along. Life is okay. Our children are okay. Our marriages are good. Our cupboards are full of food and the cars are running fine. Life is comfortable and things are as they should be.
Then the drought hits again as summer sets in and the lawns begin to brown once again. The air loses its moisture and the birds’ singing is not quite as melodious, nor the smell of nectar as sweet. And we have said goodbye to the season of blessing and tranquility…or have we?
Another great friend offered me the perspective of how God wants us to be in a place of change and of uncertainty, so that we might not cling to this place as our home. For, our residence is in heaven with Jesus and the saints that accompany Him. Someday soon we will reside in heaven with our Lord, where pain, doubt, and sorrow will no longer affect us. We will be in a season of perpetual spring, with unending joy and peace.
Whatever season our heart resides in now, let us “… fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Together as believers, let us await our permanent home in heaven where we will find rest in the eternal season of spring.
