Seasons of Life

by Joyce Sykes
Published September 27, 2006

As I look out my living room window, I am amazed at the beautiful sight of soft sky blues and delicate pinks as the rising sun reflects on a few scattered clouds. It is early and a new day is dawning. The morning seems to softly whisper of His glory and majesty. Yet as I look around at the wonder of the world He created, I ponder just how great He is.

We have a tree in our back yard between the house and the security lamp. As each season passes, I watch the changes taking place. In the cold of winter, the branches rattle as the winds blow. There is no visible sign of life, as stark empty branches shudder in the wind. Then in the spring, a wondrous sight takes place. Little tiny buds of new leaves begin stretching out toward the warmth of the spring sun. Drawn out of their hiding place, they reach out ready and willing to do their part to bring new growth to their home. It does not matter to them that they are there but for a short season, they have an important work to accomplish during their short stay.

As the season progresses from spring to summer, they slowly obscure the light from view. The leaves share their spot for each little sprig that prayerfully will give way to a bumper crop of pecans. Then, just as rapidly, the process reverses. Leaves changes from a beautiful green to various shades of yellow, orange and brown. As the chill of fall approaches winter, the winds swirl the fallen leaves on the ground. Shortly, the branches will again rattle as the winter winds blow upon them. Life is revealed in its fullest cycle.

The same takes place in our life. There are seasons of dormancy, where it seems we sit on a shelf doing nothing. At times the Lord, in His perfect love and wisdom, will bring us to a place of quietness and rest. Often we mistakenly think we have missed Him or committed some grievous sin. We strive to produce something, anything, when it is truly the Lord desiring us to sit and rest.

Although nothing appears to be happening to my pecan tree, in reality I cannot see beyond the bark. Its roots are providing the nourishment necessary for the next growth spurt. In the same manner, our roots are embedded deep in the Lord. As He ministers to us during our ‘dormant’ times, He makes provision for our growth spurt. There might be a branch that needs pruning; a hurtful process, yet this ensures greater fruitfulness in the coming season.

Winter seasons are uncomfortable to many. We long for the first sign of spring and new growth. However, it is during those cold times that our reliance is totally in the Lord. Grounded in His love, we must allow our roots to go even deeper. All we need is found in Him. Lasting fulfillment comes from resting in the Lord, waiting for His perfect timing. Today, if you are in a time of dormancy, learn to rest in the Lord. Know that He knows the seasons of your life and your spring is just around the corner.

Song of Solomon 4:16 Awake, O north wind, And come, O south! Blow upon my garden, That its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its pleasant fruits.

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