Embrace The Seasons Of Life, No Matter How Tough
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations we just can’t explain. Sometimes there are seasons of immense grief and loneliness; other times there can be overwhelming joy and blessings. But the most complicated seasons of life occur when we feel as if our lives are up in the air, out of our control, and feeling like they are lacking direction and motivation. These can be times of pure misery and fear while we cling hopelessly to the remnants of our lives that are certain.
These different seasons we may find ourselves in are times of dying, waiting and rising. These are the experiences of the Paschal Mystery, which meditates on the death and resurrection of Christ. He died for our sins; he waited in the tomb; and on third day, he rose again. When we consider our lives from this perspective, we may gain understanding and a sense of purpose in what we’re going through.
Some days, we feel like we must die to ourselves and embrace the suffering where it finds us, just as Jesus did when he was betrayed, beaten and violently put to death. Some days, we look around and feel utterly amazed by the world around us and the blessings we have received. These two seasons of our lives are usually easy to recognize since they are created by feelings of loss or gain, and they feel like a dark night or a glorious morning. During both of these seasons, it can be most effortless to turn to God saying, “Please hold me, I can’t go on anymore;” or “Thank you for these wondrous things you have done for me; I cannot thank you enough.”
The third season can be the most challenging. We don’t feel elation or sorrow; but instead, a restlessness and lack of feeling anything. Everyone experiences this season in a different way; but for some, it is a time of hopelessness, fear and a sense of abandonment. It’s most difficult to turn to God when we don’t feel Him, and we don’t know where to go or what to do.
The two most important things to remember during these seasons of life are that they are temporary, and they are meant to be embraced. No matter how difficult the feelings may be, we must open our hearts to feeling them fully. For everything there is a season, “a time to give birth and a time to die, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:2-4). The times of sadness help us to appreciate the times of joy. The times of waiting challenge us to grow in the ways we are hurting. Remember that there is a purpose for every season in your life.
Meditate on which season you are in right now. Are you in a time of suffering and dying to your sins? Are you in a time of rejoicing and praising God? Or are you in a time of waiting and maybe feeling a little lost? Take time to think about where you are and what you’re feeling. Consider how you are dying with Christ, rising with Him, or simply waiting for whatever comes next. Listen to what God is trying to tell you during this season you are experiencing right now. Is the season calling you to praise God, to turn to Him for comfort, or is it calling you to grow in a way you might not fully understand? Whatever it may be, recognize it and embrace it, and you will find peace and encouragement no matter what season you are going through. Let Him always be your strength and the source of your joy through every moment of life.
