Seasons of Change

Much has been written about the cyclical nature of life. Some approach life changes as an evolution, others through stages or seasons. Regardless of the paradigm, change is not only inevitable, but challenging. Change is often uncomfortable and requires one to let go of what is in the present to move forward toward the future. Anxiety can be the result of being caught in-between what is currently and opportunities that lie ahead. Perhaps because as exciting as these new opportunities may be, they involve the unknown and often require a different mentality or set of skills. Almost always this new cycle of growth involves sacrifice including the dying or letting go of the old and the cultivating of the new.

One of my favorite word-pictures depicting the seasons of life is that of a vineyard. My husband and I have seen many beautiful vineyards during our military travels. They are interesting to me because during the Winter the grape vines look dead as though no life will come from them ever again. But in the Spring, those same dry vines begin to sprout little green buds, which then become full and leafy with clusters of forming grapes in the Summer. Fall is an amazing sight with heavy grape clusters dripping with juice that are ready for harvest and to be creatively made into a variety of wines touting beautiful colors, aromatic bouquets and complex flavors.

In John 15: 1-8, Jesus reminds us that He is the vine and we, as believers in Him, are the branches and in order to grow we must abide in Him. The word abide means to stay or remain and reflects being fully engaged with Christ in every area of our lives (Bible Hub, 2004-2023). This engagement facilitates fruitfulness that brings honor to God and enables us to walk in His love. Nonetheless, Christ also speaks of pruning, which is the process of the old growth being cut back in order for new growth to come forth. Pruning is not an act of disgrace, but of hope and provision for the future. If the familiar aspects of one’s life is being removed, it is to make way for a new, productive and fulfilling chapter of life. Any anxiety these changes may cause are best dealt with through submitting them to the One (God) who calls us to follow and authors amazing adventures in our lives.

Questions:
What new things are happening in your life?
What purpose do you feel in moving forward into a new chapter of life?
What would this change look like from a birds-eye view?
What might you need to let go of in order to move forward?
How will you seek God for clarity, confidence and direction in this new chapter of life?

Scriptures on change:
Psalm 32:8 (NLT): The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Isaiah 43:19 (NLT): For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Lamentations 3:21-23 (NLT): Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness, His mercies begin fresh every morning.
Philippians 4: 6-7 (NLT): Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts.

References:
Bible Hub. (2004-2023). Lexicon. https://biblehub.com/lexicon/john/15-4.htm
Lockman Foundation. (1987). Amplified Bible. Zondervan.