It seems like a large swath of believers have been going through a long season of feeling like there was a siege with no let up. There may be a sense of loss of favor in relationships, or with colleagues, or with business ventures. There may be financial struggles as if the flow has dried up. Where there were accolades there is now criticism or lack of support. Some have been feeling as if the Lord was far away or spiritual gifts have ebbed and ministry opportunities have been met with closed doors. Where there was a sense of contentment or joy, there is now anxiety and tension. Where there was vision and courage for the future, there is a sense of dread and apprehension. Some may have been dealing with constant ailments.
He wants to remind you that He is always near and wants you to know that He is fully aware of the circumstances and that He is using this to build intimacy and trust. He’s causing it to turn for good in this way. He is the friend who always shows up when things go bad. He is here knowing and deeply understanding our travail. He wants you to know that just like the seasons change, so will this. Just like one day is sunny and the next is cloudy and the next is windy, so too are the circumstances that we pass through. We will pass through this and emerge more deeply intertwined with Him and with greater faith and trust. It will be back to feeling normal again for some. It will be like passing through the birthing process with something new to rejoice over. It will be like restoration, renewal and healing.
It’s easy to see the future through the lens of today’s troubles and angst. Doing so quenches hope and creates disappointment, heaviness and loss of inspiration. When our emotions are clouded with this, it’s hard to hear Him or feel Him near, but He is always near. When people sometimes say they can no longer hear God, it’s usually sadness and heaviness in the heart that is the wall.
He is encouraging us to go with the flow of the season and hold onto Him. Declare out loud that tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow will be good days. Speak to the troubles and command them to stop like the waves of the sea that came against Jesus and the disciples in the boat. Declare victories. Do this in your God place or wherever you feel comfortable. Receive Him and ask for deeper intimacy and friendship with Him.
Your destiny is interwoven with ups and downs and various turns. Along the way Jesus always holds your hand and is right there experiencing it with you. He is your friend that sticks closer than a brother.
This season will pass. After the rain comes the flowers. “Thank you for the coming flowers Lord!”
