Times and Seasons

Have you ever stopped and consciously thought about the fact that God orchestrates the times and changing of the seasons? I mean, most of the time I take it for granted that God is in control. Everything just sort of continues in this familiar schedule and pattern. For the most part I know, within reason, what to expect from the upcoming weeks and months weather-wise.

I am blessed to live in a part of the country where we experience all four seasons. Now, that simply means you can complain about different aspects of the weather all year ‘round. [insert uncomfortable laughter] I jest. Although, there surely are people who do. I am trying not to be one of them.

In each season, I can see the beauty that God weaves throughout the various processes that take place. I like to think that even though He has set things in order, He still delights in starting the spring thaw where all of His creation that has been asleep begins to wake up and prepare to reflect His splendor.

There is a certain amount of work that must be done each season in order for things to progress. For example, the snow has to stop and the temperatures have to rise for the flowers and trees to know it’s soon time to bud. The ground needs replenished with rains so everything can brighten up and shine again.

The changing of the seasons means work for us, too. Nature isn’t the only one with responsibilities. In late spring we change our thermostat system from heat to cool. We switch out our closets from winter clothes to lighter items for spring and summer. We take a look at what needs to be repaired or fixed outside from the harshness of winter. We begin to prep the ground for planting. We set up our outdoor spaces with furniture and decorations to enjoy the warmer months.

Similar things happen again in the fall and winter seasons. We change the furnace back to heat. We pull our heavy winter clothes back into our closets and pack away the summer stuff. We prep outside for winter by making sure our windows are tight, we put away the furniture and sometimes the grill. We have to buy salt for the upcoming snows. We check the tires on our car to make sure they are winter ready.

These are things that we actively have to do. They don’t just happen because the seasons are changing.

Try as we might though, we can’t always be prepared for every weather event. Sometimes it snows in May. Sometimes the temps climb in January and it feels like spring has come early. There are tornadoes and hurricanes, or high wind- all of which are completely unpredictable. Sometimes we get hit with a heat wave, or a season of drought.

And you know what? The same is true in the seasons of life. God is fully in control. He orchestrates the events of our lives just like He does the weather.

I don’t know about you, but when something happens outside the normal “weather pattern” of life, I can get thrown for a loop. Even if I’ve done routine maintenance to prepare for the upcoming season, and I’ve changed out things that are no longer practical or helpful, I am very happy to plod along my path knowing pretty much what to expect during any given day. Routine is my friend.

But when a spiritual “weather event” takes place, I need to do a little extra work. First, I have to remind myself that God is fully in control. There is nothing that surprises Him. He orchestrates the times and seasons of my life just like He does for this wonderful world He has created.

Secondly, I have to remind myself that this is just a season. Just like winter doesn’t last forever here, whatever I’m experiencing in my spiritual climate is also not going to last forever. Some things may require me to ask friends for help and support, and that’s one hundred percent what God wants us to do.

Third, and maybe most importantly, I need to remind myself that God delights in seeing change in me that will reflect His splendor. When I look back on my life, the biggest times of growth happened during spiritual “weather events”. God grows us through the changing of the seasons in our lives. We have to remember that it is all for our good, and ultimately for His glory.

In the midst of it, that can be really hard. But if we are surrounded by people who love Him and are also open to growing in the Spirit, it makes weathering the “weather” so much easier.

Daniel 2:20-22
(20) Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: (21) And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: (22) He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Psalm 37:23-24
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

2 Corinthians 4:6-18