Cycle of Seasons

Winter's grip is here.  
But it will not stay because God has promised a cycle of seasons.

While the earth remains, 

seedtime and harvest, 

cold and heat, 

summer and winter, 

and day and night 

shall not cease.

Genesis 8:22

Father, You have promised seasons on earth and You are faithful.  Every year they come and go. Winter is here and seems so stark until You reminded me of roots resting in stillness before growing in quietness for the life to come.  

Winter is nature's sigh heard as the winds blow across the snow covered ground and whipping bare limbs and moaning through evergreens ladened with snow.  This season strengthens roots. Winter life anchors.  

Springtime speaks of new birth, even adventure. Surface growth leaps into view.  A lightness of color brightens the landscape.  Limbs extend and leaves unfurl.  Hope is born in spring. 

  

Summer brings steadiness, routine, consistency, and endurance.  Storms, heat, and winds come and go, while growth is sustained with roots deeply laid in the still and quiet of winter.  Fruits and seeds appear, deep greens and warm colors.  Summer sustains.

Harvest is nature's celebration!  All stops are pulled as growth matures in sunshine.  Fruits ripen on the stalks, the limbs, the vines.  Colors change to a richness known only to this season.  Fruits are gathered, grasses and grains are cut one last time.  Energy for the bounty is emptied, fully poured out. Harvest is the height of goodness poured out and gathered in.

Then, rest is needed, again.  

I sigh, Lord of the Harvest, as the seasons of nature reflect in my soul.  

Soul-winters have anchored me in You, deepening heart roots into gospel soil, rich with the nutrients of Your Word.  

Soul-springs bring life You force through softened crusts of winter's grip, the joy of hope unfurled. 

Soul-summers stretch long and steady as storms are endured and as You shelter me in the leaves of grace and mercy and lovingkindness fed by Living Water.

You give winter then spring then summer so that harvest is fully enjoyed.  A season of seeing the goodness poured out and gathered in by You.   

And the roots of my soul are anchored 

as the nutrients of your Word quiet my soul.

May the God of hope 

so fill you with all joy and peace in believing 

that by the power of the Holy Spirit 

you may abound and be overflowing, 

bubbling over, with hope. 

Romans 15:13  Amp

We have this 

as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, 

a hope that enters into the inner place 

behind the curtain, 

where Jesus has gone 

as a forerunner on our behalf,

Hebrews 6:19-20a  ESV

Love always,

Angie