A Season of Change - Jewell Utt
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called . . . . And he went out, not knowing where he was going. —Hebrews 11:8
In a popular hit song, Andy Williams names Christmas as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But not for me! Nothing awakens my senses like the season of Fall. I welcome the tingle of coolness after Summer’s heat. Hearing the sound of leaves crushing under my stride. The spectrum of nature’s kaleidoscope, so rich in color and appeal. I am a daughter enthralled. Thankful for a Creator who meets my deepest needs with beauty and inspiration.
How about you? Which season inspires you the most?
Seasons bring change that rejuvenate life. And most people look eagerly ahead to the variety each one offers. Thus, this type of change is welcome with familiar routines and well-established traditions. Not so for unexpected change, like job loss, relocation, death, etc…This type of change ushers in the unknown and can stir feelings of doubt and insecurity.
Our Patriarch Abraham, is a man who traversed change well. He made no structure his dwelling. Instead, he remained unencumbered to listen and move as God directed. He endured ever changing circumstances with the stability of routine.
How? He chose to dwell with God.
Abraham’s norm was living in the presence of God. No matter where he physically landed, God remained in his Now. He lived an abundant life with increasing responsibility and people to manage. Yet, he disallowed distractions to alter his usual practice. He made a purposeful choice to keep God first.
Seasons of change are a part of life. Oft times we sense them on the horizon. How we choose to traverse the unknown can make all the difference. With Christ as our supporting beam and central supply, we can remain stable in ever changing circumstances. Be still in Him.
God is peace. He gives purpose. He provides security.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. The Lord breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46
