Glimpses of Truth
4:18
I enjoy the beauty which each season brings. Like most folks, I know we all have favorites. And really, we don’t mind telling someone which one is our favorite and we’re prepared to tell why. I think that the weather is often the first matter which most men talk about before they go on to other unimportant subjects. Sorry…..
As I was picking up my pen to write to you today, I heard over the radio that today (September 22nd at 4:18 p.m.) we change from Summer to Autumn). Ah, the beauty of the “Fall” season . . . The only problem I have with Fall is that Winter is not far behind. But hey, didn’t I say that I enjoyed the beauty which each season brings? I think I did, because I do. I do because way back before I was, God was, and He recorded for us back in Genesis that there would be “seasons.”
How’s the weather where you are? Global warming? In the book of Daniel, we learn that God changes the seasons as He wishes--globally or locally, according to the calendar—no--according to God. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are His.”
What’s your favorite season? In each season, we all need encouragement. Encouragement is for the discouraged, words for those hurting. Daily in every season when I’m weary or hurting, or lonely or just challenged by the seasons of life, I can smile, or rejoice or weep, yet knowing that God is weaving His mercy and grace into the fabric of my life.
Already I’m looking forward to Spring. That’s not good, is it? At 4:18 today I’m going to take a break, walk slowly, bask in the sunshine of Fall, and understand more fully God’s presence. The days and weeks and seasons are His gift to all of us. I’m going to ask Him to bring new strength to my soul in this new season of life. He is able. “Oh God, help me be able to allow you to paint and refresh Your truths in my soul as You will paint the countryside in the days ahead. Lord, You splash the countryside with browns and golds and oranges, such detail that our jaws drop in awe of Your mighty work. Lord, we’re amazed at the beauty. Oh Lord, may we stand in awe as we allow Your truths to sweep across the landscape of our lives. May we not try to mute or alter Your power to bring out Your beauty. Help us to just drink in the beauty of Your mighty handiwork.”
Now, at 4:18 something will happen. But for us it’s a journey, a journey into Fall and all the seasons of life. It’s a time to take in and give out the blessing of God. A stroll? Well, maybe a little more. It’s a time of growth. Yes, for us every season is for growth--stronger, taller, deeper. The cold days are ahead. The storms are gathering. Roots need to be deeper than ever before. If there was ever a time in our history that God’s people need to put God in charge, it’s this season. How can our branches withstand our times if our roots remain shallow? Only as we read, study and adapt our lives around God’s Word will we be ready for the seasons as they come. “I am the Lord thy God, I change not.”
