Sunday, June 22
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to plant and a time to uproot.”
- Reflection: We are each in a different season of life. Each phase of life has its own purpose for growth and reflection. Each period of life becomes holy in a different way. God’s timing is also different than our own. Each season in human experience serves our transformation. Other experiences are cyclical and recur many times in our life.
The writer Tim Hahn tells us: “First we grow up. Then we grow down, deeper. This is the way of the elder.” Joan Chittister and Richard Rohr also review this concept that as we grow older, people have more time and capacity for spiritual depth and growth. In earlier parts of life, spiritual depth was superseded in younger years by establishing families, careers, businesses, homes, and other starting-out milestones.
Blogger Courtney Richard also writes, “In a natural sense, we know that seasons change. There’s winter, spring, summer, and fall. Just like the natural seasons change, so do the seasons in our lives… Here are six common seasons of life. Which one describes your life?” (full article: https://www.ibelieve.com/christian-living/6-spiritual-seasons-of-life-and-how-to-flourish-in-them.html)
- The Dry Season … when God is quiet … In a dry season, God seems very distant. … keys in getting through this challenging season is: (1) Realize that you are in it, and (2) Press through it – draw close to God despite how far away [God] feels … dry seasons: they don’t last forever. This season will change. … The rain is coming.
- The Waiting Season … “Waiting is NOT easy!” If you’re there now and it’s hard, take heart … Whether you’re waiting for … a difficult circumstance to change, or for God to finally fulfill a promise … trust that God is pruning … what’s not needed for the next season … making you ready … This season, like the others, will one day be over. But a time of waiting is fairly guaranteed to happen again in life. … God is listening and knows exactly where you are. Hang in there. God has not forgotten you.
- The Grinding Season … This is also known as: The Busy Season. This is the, “I don’t have enough time to get everything done!” time in life. Sometimes we have big projects or little people that need more of our time than in other seasons. … If you find yourself in a busy season, chase after God. The key to succeeding in this time is seeking God for direction the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning. Recognize and organize what needs to get done, then plow through those priorities … The whole world does not rest in your hands – it rests in God’s hands. Pace yourself and your tasks. Breathe. Pray. Take a lunch break. Then carry on in your grind and press through with the strength God gives you. Rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and help you.
- The Tests & Trials Season … If you’re going through some hard times in this season, know that God is with you in the midst of it all. … God knows … In the meantime, don’t give up or get tired of doing good … If you need comfort, let God comfort you. If you need strength beyond yourself, let [God] strengthen you. If you need wisdom, ask … As hard as the tests and trials may be, allow God to be God … In this season, it’s essential to fix your thoughts on heavenly things, not on temporary things of this earth. Fix your eyes on Jesus.
- The Spiritual Warfare Season … gird up! … But don’t be afraid … … we must put on our full spiritual armor. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” — Ephesians 6:13-17.
- The Happy Season … This is the fun season … But you still have a job to do in this season: Praise [God]. …in every season because our hearts need it and because God is always worthy of it. Sing your song to God. How has [God] been good to you?
- Spiritual Practice Prompt: Meditate on the spiritual season of life you are in now. Is it a cycle that you have experienced before? Or is it an era or age in your life? What is this season teaching you? Offer prayers for patience and trust in God’s timing.
Song:
- Seasons of Love from Rent: https://youtu.be/9A_2WFx8FEU?si=Kkog-LJJXitAhO3R
- Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds: https://youtu.be/xVOJla2vYx8?si=i44DtpBBSTzqZAbR
The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. — Alan Watts
June 22 Daily Devotional