To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

God’s presence gives meaning to the seasons.

The author of Ecclesiastes gleans this comforting nugget of truth from his search for wisdom and meaning. While the twists and turns and ups and downs of life on earth seem futile to the natural mind, wisdom can be found in the repetitions of life. Like winter, spring, summer, and fall, life goes around in circles, and yet this is hardly pointless as we grow through the cycling of seasons.

Parents adjust their schedules and everything else when their first baby is born. As the children grow, they face new issues at every stage. When the children become adults, they adjust to an empty nest. Everyone lives through seasons: marriage, careers, and countless other things. 

Our world, nation, and church are presently in difficult seasons. Persecution rises against the church, and leaders fall away from biblical truth.

When Jesus’s disciples questioned Him about the future, He told them how to recognize the coming season. “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door” (Mark 13:28-29 NIV). 

God’s Word helps us interpret the season we’re in. He’ll show us how to respond. Whether it is a time to be born or a time to die, to plant or reap, to kill or heal, to weep or laugh, to break down or build up, to mourn or dance, to embrace or refrain, to gain or lose, to keep or throw out, to tear or sew, to speak or keep silent, to love or hate, to make war or peace, solace comes in knowing God still sees and attends to our needs. He uses everything for a purpose.

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand on me . . . Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? . . . If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand shall hold me fast.

Psalm 139:5, 9-10 NIV

God knows and is with you even if you are unsure where you are. Whether our circumstances are difficult or joyous, God is there. His wisdom and knowledge comfort us, knowing He has a purpose to benefit us and others.

Think of some ways you can recognize God in all your seasons. 

Father, thank You for being close to me in every season of life, even the difficult ones. Lead me to trust You when I understand and when I don’t. Help me to cooperate with Your purpose in every one. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Meaning to the Seasons: Caroline Powers: All Rights Reserved