I went down to the grove of nut trees to look at the new growth in the valley (Song of Songs 6:11).
Father in heaven, our faithful Creator, our times are in Your hands (Psalm 31:15). You are the God who changes times and seasons (Daniel 2:21). You are with us through all the changing scenes of life—in the valley of the shadow (Psalm 23:4 - KJV), in "the dark night of the soul" and on the mountain of the Lord (Genesis 22:14).
Lord, if we are honest, we would admit that the paths we often envision for ourselves are different from the steps You order. Remind us how limited we are in perspective, in knowledge, in wisdom.
Teach us to cling to You in all seasons—in seasons of spring and in seasons of promise, in seasons of drought and in seasons of winter. Wherever we are, teach us to trust You. We confess to You that we struggle with doubts and fears even after reading the promises and the reassurances You give us in Scripture. Forgive us. Renew and transform our minds. Help our unbelief.
We pray especially for those in seasons of drought, and those walking through a dark, dismal winter. Touch their souls. Revive their spirits. We know that You do not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone (Lamentations 3:33). But You desire to transform us into the image of Your Son.
Father, when we can't make sense of circumstances—when the way seems dark or uncertain, remind us that we can never go off-course as long as we follow You. Help us to surrender to You in the way the apostle Peter instructs, So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Peter 4:19).
Thank You that in Your cycles of rebirth and renewal spring comes after winter. Help us to trust You to take us to the place where we can clearly see Your good purpose in the labors, the trials, the difficulties, the pruning. Take us to the place where we can look out and survey the new growth in our valleys.
Through all the changing scenes of life,
in trouble and in joy,
the praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.
O magnify the Lord with me,
with me exalt His name;
when in distress to Him I called,
He to my rescue came.
The hosts of God encamp around
the dwellings of the just;
deliverance He affords to all
who on His succour trust.
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
the God whom we adore,
be glory, as it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.
~ Nahum Tate & Nicholas Brady ~
~ Published 1696 ~
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