I love this time of year when the weather changes from Summer heat to Autumn cool: the morning air becomes crisp with a slight chill, the days feel lighter, trees change their shades, and everything seems to feel refreshing. This change of the seasons reminds me that almost everything in life is seasonal – few things last forever.
The wise King Solomon wrote,
“For everything there is a season, and
a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, ESV)
This text teaches us that situations in life will ebb and flow. They rise and fall. They come and go.
Who remembers Blockbuster video? (or any video rental stores) As a child, going to the Video Store (49-n-More in Whitehouse, TX) was one of the most exciting things! I remember how my parents would choose a movie, me and my brother would choose a movie, and if we were lucky we also got to rent a video game for our Nintendo! Those were such fun memories…. But my kids will never know that feeling… Why? Because the world has changed and Video Rental Stores like Blockbuster are a thing of the past.
Nowadays, we rent everything on Amazon, Netflix, HBO, or any number of streaming services and the movies are instantly delivered to our TVs. Not only is it more convenient, but we never have to rewind a video cassette again! (or worry about a late fee)
Things change because everything is seasonal. Companies rise and fall, new technology replaces older, and we all move forward into different stages of life. Such change is inevitable; it has been ordained by God.
And what should we do with all of these changes and seasons? I suggest that we take some time for introspection to truly see where we are in life:
- What season are you in?
- How long will you be in this season?
- What comes after this season?
- How is the world changing around you?
- How are you responding to all of these things?
We don’t know exactly what lies ahead, but we do know that time never moves backwards. The past is gone, today is only here for a moment, and the future is waiting.
I encourage you all to spend time with God this week and reflect on the various seasons and times you are in. Every season and time in your life has a purpose; nothing is ever wasted because God uses all things for our good and His glory. He is always at work in our lives. (Remember: some seasons in life are extremely difficult, but our Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is with us at all times)
If you are going through a difficult season, I pray that He comforts and strengthens you,
If you are going through a good time, I pray that you deeply enjoy His blessings,
If you are not sure what lies ahead, I pray that He encourages your heart and faith.
Things change, but our God remains the same.
He is the Great I AM, and we are His.
May God richly bless you in His Son,
Dr. Aaron George Glover
