Changing Seasons

Autumn is the time of the year when the days grow shorter, the temperature takes a downward shift, and most of the earth prepares for its wintry rest. However beautiful the Fall season is, many individuals begin to reflect on and become remorseful because of their circumstances. If you find yourself slipping down into the abyss of discouragement and hopelessness, God has a message:

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate, 

a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

We can denounce the three D’s, Discouragement, Disappointment, and Depression. Yes, God has provided us with emotions as a way of expressing our feelings. Even so, feelings should not overpower our rational thought processes. Satan is very busy in his attempt to make us feel that God does not love us. He uses many of our challenges to separate us from God. But we know how that story ends, God will destroy Satan and his angels. So do not let the evil forces in this world separate you from the love of God. 

What can we do to change our outlook on life? Begin by acknowledging the lack of faith and trust in God and His promises. Pray for forgiveness, ask for God’s guidance, and “Dry your tears and move forward!” So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

You may think, “that is easier said than done.” He (God) heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3. There are no exceptions to this promise; however, we must put forth the effort and decide that healing is what we desire. God always gives us His love, grace, and mercy to push forward with our lives, despite our overwhelming circumstances. 

2 Samuel 12: 1-25 tells us how God extends grace in the harshest circumstances. When King David acted on his desires, sinned and took Bathsheba, another man’s wife, the price of sin was high. The first baby born to David and Bathsheba died. God forewarned David through the prophet Nathan because of his contempt for God that the infant would perish. Although David refused to eat, and fasted and prayed, on the seventh day after the prophecy, the baby died. 

When David saw them whispering, he realized what had happened. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.” Then David got up from the ground, washed himself, put on lotions, and changed his clothes. He went to the Tabernacle and worshiped the Lord. After that, he returned to the palace and was served food and ate. 2 Samuel 12:19-20

As believers, we suffer many tribulations that we did not cause. Still, God knows the trials required to reshape our minds and characters. We must experience a complete transformation in preparation for living in the New Heaven and New Earth. Living for God is to live righteously. Our lives have meaning and purpose, and that is always to please God. 

In our extreme circumstances, God promises, No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13. Yes, our sorrows are great. Jesus forewarned us, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God has promised Divine Intervention. Now we must do our part (human effort) by faithfully trusting in God and changing our outlook on the present circumstances. In His mercy, God allowed King David and Bathsheba to conceive another child, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. When we press on in Jesus’ name, we can receive His power to go through and overcome all of our past, present, and future dilemmas.

It is possible to get rid of the three D’s, is Satan greater than God? No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37. It is a personal decision to ask God for deliverance and victory from the overwhelming circumstances that have taken your inner peace and joy away. God offers total restoration. So, Dry your eyes and move forward. With God, all things are possible. 

Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 12

God, we desperately need your help to dry our eyes and move forward. Although our faith is weak, we commit to trusting you through all of our circumstances. Thank you for your never-ending grace and mercies. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.