The Winter Season

It seems lately that it is just one bad thing after another that keeps happening in my life and those around me. Everything from illnesses and loss of income to death and fearful living. It seems like I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

This year has been a doozy. The few years prior weren’t good either, but this one takes the cake for many of us. During this hard year, I have been trying my best to see the good (silver lining) in the many dark clouds. And there have indeed been some good things.

But some days it is particularly difficult to look on the bright side. Lately, I have been kind of feeling sorry for myself and can hardly believe all the calamity around me. But something shifted in me the other day.

I reached out to God. Not in a superficial way, but in a real, deep, meaningful way. I got on my knees and prayed. Really prayed. I started by thanking Him for the good things that I could see in my life and thanked Him for what He is doing now and is going to do in the future.

I reminded Him that no matter what happens in my life, I know He will get me through it. I trust Him.

Those words can be very hard to say, let alone believe. To fully surrender our lives over to God and trust that no matter the circumstance He will be there to go through it with us, is hard. But we can do so know that He is holding us up.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Seasonal Perspective

Life is full of ups and downs. And sometimes it seems there are more downs than ups. The way that I look it is in terms of seasons.

• Spring: Times in life when things seem new, blossoming, fresh and exciting.
• Summer: A season of life when things are light and fun, carefree.
• Fall: A time when things start to wind down and perspectives change to preparation and celebrations.
• Winter: A season when things can be cold and harsh. Frozen and barren. Reflective.

We all experience these four season on a regular basis in our lives. Some seasons last longer than others for each of us. As I am reflecting now, I can definitely say I have been in the Winter season.

 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1

However, I am hopeful. Hopeful because in the natural seasons of the year, what follows winter? That’s right, Spring. Spring is a wonderful time of year in nature. The grass begins to turn green again, the flowers begin to bud and bloom, birds are chirping a little louder, the temperature out side is warmer, the days are getting longer (sunlight), in general we are in a more upbeat mood and simply feel better.

There is new life, new hope and a new blessing just waiting for us. No matter what season you are in, take it for what it is. If you are in a winter, be encouraged that spring is just around the corner.

If you are in a summer right now, enjoy it and pray that it lasts a long, long time. No matter what you are going through, good or bad times know that God is always with you. If you are struggling, know He is there to get you through. If you are in a season of joy and prosperity, know that He is supplying all good things.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

We can find contentment and wholeness in God when we surrender whatever season of life we are in to Him. Fully trusting Him in the harsh winter or the carefree summers of life. Are you ready to do so?

Want a little music to inspire you?

Enjoy I Surrender All by Ruben Studdard.

The post Seasons of Change: Finding Wholeness in a Life Surrendered to God appeared first on Finding The Fearless Life.