Trust in the Lord.
Sometimes it is easier said than done.
Years ago it struck me that life is full of different seasons. Some are horribly hot and intense. Others are incredibly cold and isolated. Then there are those that spring forth with life and abundance, or calmly transition into peace and tranquility.
Seasons come, and seasons go.
The one single steady element in them all? Him.
Trust in the Lord in ALL of Life’s Seasons
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven….” ~ Eccl. 3: 1
It is so easy for me to forget that even the hard stuff will soon move forward and another day of peace and calm will emerge.
In the midst of the dark and heavy storms, I can really struggle with feeling completely overwhelmed, like the struggle will never stop and I will forever fight the same difficulty for the next few decades.
This, of course, is a lie.
Babies grow, children mature, houses change, family dynamics alter. There is very little in this life that truly stays the same for long (see our continued journey of change here).
If there is one thing we can depend on, as we choose to trust in the Lord, it is that change is an inevitability.
And THIS is a good thing.
Can’t Have Living Waters if the Waters aren’t Moving
The one thing we must always keep in mind is that seasons of change are incredibly beneficial for our maturity and growth. Stagnation, or lack of change and movement, is a recipe for death.
Have you ever looked up “stagnant water?”
Here’s the definition according to the Cambridge Dictionary:
Not flowing or moving, and often smelling unpleasant; not growing or developing.”
It gets better. Here is what Wikipedia says about stagnant waters:
Malaria and dengue are among the main dangers of stagnant water, which can become a breeding ground for the mosquitoes that transmit these diseases.
Stagnant water can be dangerous for drinking because it provides a better incubator than running water for many kinds of bacteria and parasites. Stagnant water is often contaminated with human and animalfeces, particularly in deserts or other areas of low rain.”
Another word that comes to mind is complacency…luke-warmness.
So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” ~ Revelation 3: 16
Change is good, even if it is uncomfortable, hard, terrifying, or tragic. Trust in the Lord throughout it all.
You are Becoming the Aroma…
Remember what scripture tells us we are in this world when we follow after Him?
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” ~ 2 Cor. 2: 15
Stagnation and complacency are not to be characteristics of those who trust in the Lord. But rather growth, change, maturity, LIFE, joy, peace, fruitful harvests, and so much more.
In order to enjoy these eternal blessings, though, we must be willing to follow Him through the wilderness times of life and trust in His goodness while He leads us each step.
He is Trustworthy.
You are NEVER alone
No matter what season you are enduring, whether one of joy and thanksgiving, or tragedy, heartache and sorrow, you are NOT alone.
Give thanks for all the blessings in your life, especially if in a high spot and fruitful time. Don’t forget the One who brought you there.
Lean on Him for strength and endurance if you are struggling through the cold, harsh winter. He is with you and will help you through.
He has great purposes for these seasons, both the dark and dreary times and the bright and shiny ones. Hold tight to Him and trust in the Lord.
HE will get you through.
“…he who has begun a good work in you will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus” ~ Philippians 1:6
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