A New Season. Not yet?
Written by Patricia Klein
Joshua had no doubt he was in a new season. The time had come. His training under Moses was finished. He’d waited forty long years, but the wait was over! God was taking his people into the Promised Land - and He was commissioning Joshua to take charge.
The first nine verses of the Book of Joshua record God’s encouragement, directions, strength - words that have inspired countless believers through the ages. In verse ten we see Joshua getting up and moving into his new season.
But sometimes it’s not like that. Our days feel more like a holding pattern. Or a “wait and be faithful” time. We’re not excited, the adrenalin isn’t running, we may even be on the verge of depression.
“Lord, you are the Almighty God.” I remind myself. “You haven’t changed. You don’t change with my ups and downs, or with the seasons of my life. You, Oh Lord, know the BIG PICTURE, the MetaStory. Your Holy Spirit is abiding, brooding, working within me. You not only understand, but you also are helping me through this.”
No matter my feelings, I’m a daughter of the King! Whether in a quiet, in-between time, or in a time of purposeful activity, perhaps building or developing something for the Lord - no matter what type of season, I’m still a daughter of the King.
And the truth is, there is a plan. Like a seed germinates and begins to sprout in the secret place underground before anything is visible to others, God’s plan includes “under the surface development seasons”. They can include pruning away some unnecessary energy-draining interests, or perhaps losing things that used to feed my self-esteem. These seasons can include some un-scheduled time - something I’m not used to. And some recognitions of ‘gunk’ in my heart - thoughts and attitudes that don’t please Him, and mess up the flowing of His love to others.
They also include reflections on basics, on core truths:
the value of lifting my heart in praise and worship
the awesomeness of God’s presence invading my space when I stop mid-day to purposefully spend a few moments with Him
the dependable truth that He is forever faithful
my future, and that of my husband and family, are known to Him. Our times are in His hands.
It’s okay to sit quietly with a trusting heart, knowing that important maturing is happening, and direction will come when it’s time.
My heart has heard you say,
Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:8 NLT)
