Once upon a time, not that long ago, where people were born, they lived their whole lives and were buried in the local cemetery. They knew the four seasons particular to their area and took them for granted. But, today, it is not uncommon for folks to live their adult lives far away from their birthplaces and the way the seasons change there. So, acclimating happens. (I find myself, as a Canadian, shivering in cool weather to the great amazement of those around me. It’s because – you guessed it – I’ve acclimated). But even with this adapting phenomenon, some people often continue to prefer what they knew as children – some, the 4 seasons, some, little variation from Jan. to Dec., and some, just 2, hot and cold. If from the Northeast US, lush greenery and humid air is how it is, plus a wee bit of snow. If from the Southwest US, semi-desert expanses and hot, dry air are the norm, plus a few scorpions and snakes.
In Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon writes that there is a season for everything. We are creatures of habit and rarely like changes in our routines and relationships, especially changes we didn’t initiate. More to the point, changes that spell endings, reversals, heartache, forced new beginnings. But as we’ve heard it said, change is the only constant.
Paul writes to the Thessalonian church that, while seasons of mourning are inescapable, we do not grieve as those who have no hope, as if the grave has the last word. Seasons of pain, suffering, hardship, loneliness, are to be approached similarly, with the acute awareness that we are in relationship with the One who sticks closer than a brother. ‘I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Romans 15:13, TPT.
An old hymn, What a Friend we have in Jesus, with words written by Irish Canadian, Joseph M. Scriven (1819-1886), expresses the believer’s unique opportunity and supreme privilege of taking everything to the Lord in prayer:
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged – take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness – take it to the Lord in prayer.
What ‘season’ are we in right now? How are we experiencing it? How is the all-sufficiency of God making its impact? How are we enjoying this Friend who sticks closer than a brother? How is hope flooding our souls? Looking forward to seeing all you season-by-season overcoming saints tomorrow, 10 AM, 3 PM UK. PD
