Summer is not my favorite season:). I’m not a fan of heat and I’m not too fond of being uncomfortable in the scorching sun, but I am a fan of the sweet things that Summer brings: Kids on Summer break, day trips to explore our new area, and sweet Palisade Peaches. This valley is known for its peaches; juicy and sweet, as big as softballs, and perfect for peach smoothies and cobblers…with ice cream of course:).

There is a sweet spot over the course of several weeks (near the end of Summer) when it is the best time to pick peaches. Their season takes time to develop their unique flavor and fragrance. Trust me, if you stand in the middle of a peach orchard, it is intoxicating, the likes of which no candle company can replicate. The Summer months full of scorching heat and sunny skies are needed to ensure a good harvest of choice fruit.

Necessary time. Necessary heat. Necessary light. All a part of Summer. If Summer only had 75 degree weather and a cool breeze everyday, I might be a bigger fan:).

You see, sometimes we find ourselves in a season that feels a lot like Summer without air-conditioning: hot and uncomfortable. These particular seasons can make us feel as if we could melt at any moment. Friend, have you encountered a season where there seemed to be no relief from the heat of life’s battles? Can you recall a time where you felt exposed to the elements, with no coverage or shade to run to?

Our seasons help to develop the uniqueness of our gifts and how we can use those aspects of our character to impact those around us. We usually don’t know how long these uncomfortable seasons or situations will last. But in the midst of them, there are lessons to be learned and, we can be sure that God is at work. He is not trying to melt us into a mess- He is trying to mold us and shape us into the image of Christ. He is actively working to develop our remembrance of His goodness and faithfulness in our lives, despite how we may feel. David speaks about this very feeling in the Psalms:

“God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you.

I thirst for you;

my body faints for you

in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary

to see your strength and your glory.

My lips will glorify you

because your faithful love is better than life.

So I will bless you as long as I live;

at your name, I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:1-4 CSB)

This passage doesn’t scream “easy and comfortable season” to me. David shows us an example of deep resolve while walking through a difficult season- He states what he is experiencing and then declares what he will do.

“I eagerly seek You, I thirst for you…So I will bless You as long as I live;”

Friend, if your season feels as if no relief is in sight, let’s remember we get to choose our response. We get to determine how we will let our season affect us.

Will we choose to complain when our life feels dry? Will we melt with fear when the situations of life get uncomfortable? Will we choose to isolate ourselves from community when our season feels like it’s too much for others to handle?

Again, we get to choose. God help us to choose wisely; help me to choose wisely.

May we allow the light of Christ to shine on us (warts and all), to reveal the areas of our character that He want to refine, and may we let Him.

May we choose to eagerly seek God in the midst of our seasons and hold onto His promises while we learn the lessons that are being taught to us.

May we audibly glorify His Name for everyone to hear about of His faithful love because He is completely faithful.

May we lift up our hands in worship today, just as David did, and praise Him for sustaining us in the midst of these seasons of life.

May we choose to follow closely after God and hold onto Him through each season with our complete trust placed in Him, because Our God will use even these seasons to grow us and shape us into who we are meant to be.

He is developing us friend. You and me. We are in this together:)

Here is a truth to meditate on today:

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, we take comfort today knowing that our seasons have a purpose. Just like the seasons throughout agricultural life- there is a time and place for each season. As Summer gives way to the season that follows, may our hearts give way to what you are trying to accomplish in us so that we can be prepared for the seasons ahead. We want to be molded and shaped by Your hands alone. We desire to take each season as it comes, and learn from it in order to walk steadily into the next, equipped with wisdom and joy. God, You are so kind to not just see us in the midst of our current struggles or battle, but You are also able to see the future victories won all at the same time. Help us to remember that the season we find ourselves in will not last forever- it will change. Lord help us to grow, change, and mature with it. Thank you for sustaining us and for loving us. We praise You today, Amen.

Go The Extra Mile: Check out this song today from one of my ultimate favorite voices, Audrey Assad ! This is a favorite on my worship & prayer playlist. Enjoy and be encouraged!