Seasons of Beauty

READ: JOSHUA 1:9; PSALM 96:11-12; ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

What’s your favorite season? I don’t know if I have one; I always have trouble answering that question. There are things to love—and not love—about every season. In winter I love the snow, the beauty of the world just being covered with a blanket of white. The cold certainly isn’t my favorite thing though. In spring watching the plants sprout and the earth come back alive is rejuvenating. In summer the heat makes it fun to swim and kayak. In autumn watching the trees change color before the leaves begin to fall is beautiful.

With every season, I’m reminded of God’s wisdom in creation. He is the One who crafted the seasons with beauty; He is there in every season. This is true not only for the seasons of the earth, but also for the seasons of our lives. He is there, and He adds beauty—things to be thankful for—in every season.

I’ve been going through a season of health issues and unemployment, and this is a season that definitely has struggles. But through all of it I’ve felt God’s presence, and He has shown me beauty many times over. I’ve found out how many people care about me in my church and are praying for me. I’ve also had more time to pursue my writing.

Whatever season you’re going through right now, no matter if it’s a great one or a not so great one, God is with you. He loves you, and He is making this season beautiful. • Kimberly Brokish

• Isn’t it amazing that the God who created the earth, with all its beautiful seasons, wants to be in relationship with us, His creation? Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and because He died and rose again, everyone who puts their trust in Jesus gets to be with God forever. When Jesus returns, He will put an end to all pain, sorrow, sickness, and evil (Revelation 21:1-5). And in the meantime, Jesus promises to be with us, moment by moment. He brings beauty to our lives, often when we least expect it. What beauty can you find in your current season? Consider taking a moment to thank God for this.

• What season of your life have you felt God’s presence most in? If you’ve never felt close to God, that’s okay. You can ask God for this anytime—He loves answering these prayers.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11a (NIV)