A Change In Seasons

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

It’s September. I’m curious how that statement landed in your mind. For some, it evoked feelings of loss because they felt the end of summer and all that came with it. Since we’ve come to September, everyone has been aware of the change of seasons. September is the beginning of fall. It means it emotionally at the start of the month, with Labor Day being the unofficial end of summer. Of course, the actual beginning of fall comes later in the month. Some folks see that as great news. For some, it’s cooler temperatures and less humidity. Others are excited about pumpkin spice lattes, cider mills opening, fall foliage, and, of course, football season. 

A point in time, like a change in seasons, is always interesting. With a change of season, will you focus on what’s lost or what’s next? Will you long for what was or dream of what can be? In reality, both things are going to happen to us. The critical thing is which will be your focus. 

The Bible verse above came during a tragic time in the life of the mission of Israel. It comes from the prophet Jeremiah. It’s a letter to the people at the time who were being marched into exile and Babylon. Their home country had been destroyed by war, and now they were forced to live in a foreign land. However, God reassures the people through the profit that this is only a season. When that season ends, God will do something he’s never done. They are not clear what that will be. However, God tells them that God has a plan for them, and it’s better than they could imagine. 

How do we approach a change of season? We can focus on what we’ve lost or on what’s next. Remember the promises of our God. God is good, and God’s plans for us are always good. Even if we’re in the midst of a difficult season, we can trust that God’s plan is better. 

There is always a next great thing coming. I am looking forward to this upcoming fall and Advent season in our life together: sermon series on Methodist heritage and the meaning of the 23rd Psalm, opportunities to introduce ourselves to our neighbors in new ways, October fish fry season, and new outreach through our online Bible study. Planning will start soon for an incredible Advent and Christmas season. As we think about the coming of fall, something is ending, but something great is also beginning. Remember some of the good things we love about the fall season and, more importantly, that God is not done with us. We have a future and hope that the world can’t touch. No matter what happens, God is with us.

Pastor Scott