Season of Promises

Isn’t it wonderful that we have a God, a loving Shepherd, that watches over us? His love is unending. His guidance is unfailing. His presence is everlasting.

Psalm 23

Just like you, I need God’s promises. I need them today and for the times I have yet to brave. I need them for the seasons I’m experiencing as well as those to come. Isn’t it wonderful that God’s care for us is unceasing? Absolutely! He is with you, dear friend, every season. What a joy to know you are cared for by such a great God.

Seasons of Change

I still remember when we found out that Jim and I would be “empty nesters” and maybe even grandparents! During the same season we knew that my parents, who were then in their eighties, could die soon. My thoughts went through several other possible scenarios related to life, marriage, health, and ministry.

As I was writing goals and thinking about them in terms of time, it hit me hard just how many life-altering events could happen in a person’s near and distant future. I was a little shaken...until I remembered Psalm 84:11 and what we’ve been talking about in this section of the book:

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory.

My heart settled down as I acknowledged once again that God would be a sun and a shield for me. His grace would prepare me and accompany me through whatever was to come. Once I calmed down, I regained that quiet assurance and contentment that comes from believing and trusting in the promises of God. God is in control—everything will be all right. What a blessing the promises of this verse are!

Seasons of Grace

Well, sure enough, over those next 10 years both of my parents died...and God’s grace was there. And sure enough, both of my daughters were married...and God’s grace was there. And sure enough, a multitude of other challenges came along, such as major surgeries, cancer scares, and a grandchild with a physical problem—things I didn’t dream of at the time but that turned my life in new and dramatic and sometimes difficult directions. Still, God’s grace was there. His grace is there for you too.

• God is your sun. You have His provision. Just as the sun is the source of all physical life, so God is the source of all life, both physical and spiritual. You don’t have to worry about provisions.
• God is your shield. You have His protection. Just as a shield is protection in war, so God is your source of safety and security. You don’t have to worry about fighting enemies alone.
• God gives you His grace. You have His grace, His sufficiency. When you need Him, He provides all things through His grace. You don’t have to worry about being strong enough.
• God will give you glory. You have God’s promise that He will give you glory—eternal glory—no matter how or when you die. You don’t have to worry about your eternal destiny. And you will experience some of Jesus’ glory here on earth!

These are some fantastic reasons why you can trust God and be content, aren’t they?

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, You are “the God who is there,” Right now I can’t see the end of this season in my life, but because You are here with me now, I can make it through today. Thank You! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Breaking the Worry Habit Forever  – Going beyond the simple "just pray and give your troubles to the Lord," Elizabeth acknowledges how hard it can be to "let go and let God." She offers practical step-by-step advice to help you in this encouraging book for women.

REFLECT:

Thank Him for for the promises He gives us in the Shepherd Psalm that confirm our hope and strength and joy in Him as we grow through and weather the seasons of life. As the psalm’s precious fourth verse promises: God is with us every day and all the way!

REMEMBER:

Take time to reflect today what season are you in, in the various aspects of your life. How had God sustained and challenged you in each season? What have you learned? What do you think God is trying to teach you in this season?