My life is in His hands…… Part 2

How well are you handling the seasons of your life?

'He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.'  - Daniel 2:21

As I consider the verse above (from our previous discussion, My life is in His hands – Part 1) I can’t help but recognize that my first issue with the ever changing times and seasons of life has to do with control, and my lack of it.  This is a big issue for most, though not often discussed.  We’re taught to plan, prepare and pursue.  We’re inspired to use ingenious strategies to achieve lofty goals, but how often is it stressed the importance of submitting every plan, every intention of the heart to God for His guidance, counsel and direction. Step one…the thought or idea, step two…prayer!  It would certainly save us a lot of effort and energy. Hear the cry of Psalm 81:13.

'Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! '

Another issue relating to the ever changing seasons of life is the challenge of living fully in the present season. I think of how much time I’ve spent fantasizing about the future.  What type of home or career would I have?  When or if I would marry?  Where would I live after retirement?  Thinking that began in my earlier years. Being able to escape these musings, I’m now challenged to not become lost in reminisces of the past, thoughts that either take the form of (1) longings for pleasures or people gone by or (2) grief from regrets, missed experiences or mistakes.  Thinking that began in my latter years. 

For example, my youngest son announced yesterday that he’s ‘officially’ a high school senior.  He then reminded me of counsel I had given him many years ago, that a day would come when no longer would there be four children (including him) and mom rushing to meet morning school bells, but that there would be a day when it was just he and I, traveling together each school day morn.  Not only is that day (season) here, but the end of it is quickly approaching.  We both marveled at how quickly 12 years have passed. 

Once again, I must face truth.  God has my past, present and future firmly in His hands and my leaving it there is a matter of trust.  Am I trusting Him with the seasons of my life?  Am I able to have the confession of David, ‘But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."  My times are in Your hand.’ (Psalm 31:14-15).  Are you able to make this confession?

Regarding the past, I’ve learned to acknowledge my mistakes, repent of them, be thankful for them (for they have been a tutor for me) and keep going.  And with regard to the good times past, I’m thankful for those seasons as well, storing them away as memorable treasures.  I’ve long since learned that dwelling on the future is unfruitful.  I find that God brings circumstances to bear in my life completely different from my expectations or plans.  I now look for the guiding of His Spirit!  He’s always been true to His word – ‘My Ways are not your ways!’ (Isaiah 55:8).

For me to answer the question, How are you handling the seasons of your life?, I would say that I’m learning with each passing day to trust Him on a deeper level with the comings and goings of my life, to stand on the Word of God, to acknowledge His control and be grateful!  Hear the word of the Lord:

‘Listen to Me…you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He!  I am He who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.  I am God, and there is no other.  I am God, and there is none like me.  What I have said, that will I bring about.  What I have planned, that will I do!’

                                                                                            Isaiah 46:3-4; 9; 11

He is trustworthy and able! 

Be blessed.