New England is famous for its seasons and perhaps especially autumn, because of the vibrant colors, foliage change, and activities associated with fall.
There is a song that reminds me of the seasons that was penned well before my time which borrowed its lyrics directly from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. If you are not familiar with this song, “Turn Turn Turn” made famous by the LA rock band, The Byrds in 1965, perhaps you are more familiar with the words of King Solomon, which speak of seasons of change and a time for every purpose under heaven. Ironically, for The Byrds, their line in the song, “I hope it’s not too late,” which spoke of the idea of peace was never fulfilled by the band itself, as its members constantly clashed with relational issues causing a revolving door for bandmembers over the years. As with many bands before and after them The Byrds’ “light” shined bright for a season and then things changed.
If we can be honest with ourselves our lives, are filled with seasons and riddled with constant change just like the world around us. It is a reminder that we are mortal beings subject to space and time. As we look around we are reminded of the effects of time and age as infants, toddlers, and even teenagers are living in the early Spring of their lives, while many of us find ourselves in the season of Summer, Fall, or Winter of life. As time goes by and seasons change we become more and more aware of the effects of this sin cursed world and that death pursues us all.
Yet there is great hope found in God’s word reminding those who are in Christ Jesus that we have an eternal hope and life anew found in resurrected and glorified bodies to which we cry maranantha! “Come soon Lord Jesus!”
John reminds us, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5:11)
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17)
Paul encourages us, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
Not only do we go through seasons of life as we age, but we also go through seasons of life that bring change. Our family buys a new house or moves. We lose friends and develop new friendships. We start a new job or new school and go through seasons of hardships, and seasons of joy and prosperity. We say goodbye to loved ones and we welcome new members to our family. And the Scriptures encourage and remind us that we are not alone as we go through seasons of change. Moses went through them as God prepared him for his mission in the desert. Joseph spent a season in prison to save nations. Ruth spent a season traveling to a new land and meeting new people that were not her own and she was blessed. Paul spent many seasons moving from place to place to advance the gospel.
Sometimes we dread the season of life ahead. Other times we look forward to the next chapter feeling stuck in a season of life. There are seasons we spend on the mountain tops, in the deserts, in the jungle, and in the rains and muck of life. God uses these seasons in our lives to mold us, to prepare us, to change us. There is a Latin phrase coram Deo which means “in the presence” or “before the face of God.” It basically means that God is always present, always with us and we ought always to glorify him in every season and in every change of life as an act of obedience, trust, and reverence to Him. In fact, the name Emmanuel means “God with us!” I believe King Solomon realized this and he said, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
So as the seasons turn and time brings change let us remember to respond to seasons of change with an attitude of gratitude, trust, and hope as we continue to persevere in the presence of our great and glorious creator, King Jesus!