Seasons of Life
I find lakes and ponds to be a place that is very tranquil and serene. In this atmosphere I can really become one with nature and God. In my neighborhood there is a lake and it’s very peaceful. In the middle of the lake there is a water spout, and as the water splashes from the spout it causes a ripple effect.
On this beautiful, hot sunny day, I was sitting on the bench observing the lake and the trees. But, I began to notice the surrounding edges of the lake. The edges of the lake were corroded and discolored. It was obvious that the edges of the lake were receding and drying up due to the hot summer days. However the condition of the lake did not alarm me because I had seen this very lake full and overflowing with water, oxygenated and crystal clear.
In the summer, I have seen this lake dry and parched, in the fall season the lake is full of pollen and green, and in the winter this very lake is frozen and iced. But what is consistent about the lake is it’s always there. With every seasonal trial the lake stands!
Through my focus on the lake seeing how hot days and lack of rain expose the corroded underground, I thought about life and my own periods of dry seasons.
Lack exposes a need! Whether physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, social or relational, our deficiency reveals our need. Of course, as humans we always try to figure things out ourselves. Whether through connections or personal effort we try to solve our problem and establish our own plans.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/pro.16.9.niv
But this is not how God intends for us to live life. As I focus on the condition of the lake, one thing is for sure – the lake will not fill up unless God sends the rain. The hot summer days will continue to dry up the lake unless there are some rainy days to replenish the waters.
And, our human existence is no different. We were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:28) which means we cannot flourish without Him. Our existence is no existence unless HE is included. God will send the rain on my lack when I surrender, submit, rest and wait on His Will. It’s a Trust Principle! Trusting in His Divine timing!
Like the lake, people experience various seasons in their lives but the key is to remain steadfast and firm on the Word of God and His promises for us to endure and persevere.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/jer.17.7-8.niv
So, whatever season you are experiencing in your life right now, know that God is there and in control. Do not give into the fear, doubt or worry! Your sufficiency is just beyond your trust, prayer and praise!
In the Awesome name of Jesus Christ, Amen!