Times and Seasons

Times and seasons come and go in each Christian's life. Sometimes we enjoy times of great spiritual victory, and events in our lives go well for us and make us feel like nothing could ever go wrong. But these seasons do not last. Sometimes we feel defeated in our walk in the Lord, and things happen-- disappointments in others, hurt feelings, shattered dreams, ruined plans-- that leave us wondering, "What happened? Where was God? Did I do the right thing? Why is life so hard?"

To be completely honest, this season sort of came with the summer for me. I feel like I can say that to you, because I know you've had times like this too-- not that all of you have shared that with me, but it's really inevitable. We all feel this way at one time or another.

Last night I went to bed disappointed in some people that I had looked up to, and discouraged to see hopes I had entertained for some time pretty much dashed. I had tried hard all day to keep my chin up, trust God, and love others, but at the end of the day I felt so worn and drained, like I couldn't possibly do it anymore. I woke up this morning feeling the same way.

I cleared off my desk and sat down with my Bible as I usually do in the mornings, but as I opened it's pages, I felt I didn't know where to turn to. I tried Philippians. The words seemed just like letters on a page. My mind was distracted and my heart was questioning. After trying to get through the first chapter of Philippians unsuccessfully, I paused and looked up from the page, thinking. Then some words I had posted on my wall grabbed my eye.

"The LORD upholdeth all that fall,

and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
The eyes of all wait upon thee;

and thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest thine hand,

and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways,

and holy in all his works.
The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him,

to all that call upon him in truth.
He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him:

he also will hear their cry, and will save them."

What a wonderful God we serve! He knew what I needed to hear and had prompted me to put those words up on the wall right in front of my desk so that, when I needed them, they would be right there to remind me. In these verses, He reminded me of His love and care. He reminded me that He sees my hurts and heals them with his presence. He reminded me that He is aware of my needs and satisfies them out of His abundant store. He reminded me that He knows the desires of my heart, and fulfils them in His own perfect way. He reminded me that He is always righteous and holy, and He is always kind.

I don't know about you, but that lifts my spirits and gives me hope. While it doesn't take away my problems, it offers a solution through Jesus Christ. Dwelling on His character and feasting on His promises gives me hope for a new day and strength for the seasons ahead. If I have a personal walk with Christ-- and I know I do by His grace-- I need never walk the road of life alone. That puts a light on the path, doesn't it?

A lot of girls read my blog, and I can imagine at least one of you may be going through a "winter" season as well. Don't let circumstances of life get you down. Look to Jesus and let Him guide your feet. One day you and I will look back on the seasons of our lives and see that God was working out every circumstance for His glory and our good.

What a friend we have in Jesus!