How to Embrace Different Seasons of Life
Here is the truth: life is hard and life is also beautiful. There are seasons of life marked by difficulty and seasons marked by joy. Natalie points us to three things needed to live well in all seasons.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
In all situations we are called to give thanks. God uses every season of our lives for our good and His glory. It does not make harder seasons easier, but it does remind us that there is always a bigger picture happening. What I love about Jesus is that He is aware of all of our situations. He is with us in them whether we choose to acknowledge Him or not.
As we walk throughout life, what are some ways we can embrace the season we are in rather than wishing it away or missing what God might have for us in it?
- Cling to truth. Whether we are in a season full of joy or full of sorrow, it is important to stay rooted in truth so we might keep an eternal perspective. One of my favorite verses helping me be focused regardless of circumstances in my life is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- Ask the Lord for His perspective. Rather than seeking God and asking Him to show me what He is doing in my life, too often I try to do things on my own. In joyful seasons, sometimes I missed what He was doing and failed to thank Him. In harder seasons, I did not invite Him to speak truth into my situations. Rather I dwelled on the fact that it was difficult. When we pursue Him in EVERYTHING, good or bad, we will begin to experience the John 10:10 life – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it ABUNDANTLY.”
- Actively pursue thankfulness in EVERYTHING. Scripture calls us to give thanks in ALL circumstances. When I am not actively engaged in the season of life I am in, meaning life just seems to pass me by, it is usually because I have not taken the time to actually recognize the ways that He is working and thank Him for them whether they are big or small. If we don’t want to miss what He is doing in our life, let’s spend some time thanking Him. We can do this through journaling or simply carving out time to speak out loud. You might be surprised that regardless of how you feel about your circumstances right now there is still a lot to be thankful for when we look for it.
I frequently pray the Lord would not let me miss what He is doing in my life because I am too focused on things that will pass away in the here and now. I do not want to wish away any season the Lord might call me to walk through. My hope is that you would join me in this too. Throughout all seasons remember to cling to His Word, seek His perspective, and give thanks always.
Camper Corner:
What type of season of life are you in right now…hard or easy? How might your perspective change if you asked Jesus to show you what He is doing?
