How Long Is A Spiritual Season

Arm yourself if you're in the midst of a spiritual battle. You're doing something right that Satan doesn't like if you're being spiritually attacked. The enemy will make war against you whether or not you are currently walking faithfully. It's part of being a Christian. But don't be concerned. Remember Job's story: God is in complete control at all times.

Being a child of God has a fantastic benefit: He fights for you. You simply pray and read His Word to lean into Him and trust on Him. He'll take care of everything else.

This isn't a normal fight between flesh and blood (even though it may appear to be).

“For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the higher realms,” 6:12 (Ephesians)

“Put on all of God's armor so that when the day of evil arrives, you will be able to stand your ground and, after all else has been done, to stand. Stand steady, then, with the belt of truth around your waist, the armor of righteousness on your shoulders, and your feet fitted with the peace gospel's readiness. In addition, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all of the bad one's blazing darts. Ephesians 6:13-17 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

What are the spiritual seasons?

We will pass through numerous experiences with so much more calm if we understand that there are seasons to life and that they are temporary; if we understand their features and how to deal with each season. That is why it is important to learn about the seasons of life.

I realize I'm not the first to write about this, but unlike some others, I'm not going to correlate the natural seasons of winter, spring, summer, and fall to life seasons. No, I've noticed four seasons that I would call very differently: the Wilderness, the Warring, the Winning, and the Waiting seasons. They are life's spiritual seasons. Perhaps you will be able to relate to them as well.

What does it mean when God says it's your season?

Have you ever felt like you're standing still while everything around you is moving? You have huge aspirations and a bold vision, but it appears like nothing and no one is working together to help you achieve them. I can tell you that I've been there a few times. When you desperately want something, it's even more frustrating when you believe God has stated it's yours.

As time passes, you begin to doubt your faith and sanity. Is it truly necessary for me to pursue my dreams? Is this a vision that God gave me or one that I made up? Perhaps I should give up and try something new. It's usually at this time that we come across someone who says something to the effect of, “Don't be concerned! It's just not your time of year. Patience is required. “Your time will come.”

I'm giggling as I type this since I'm sure I've said similar things to pals in the hopes of encouraging them. In a similar circumstance, I'm sure that would be the last thing I'd want to hear. When I'm ready to get down to business, I want to hear someone remark, “It's your time to shine. “Now is your chance!”

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the phrase, it is when someone says, “When people say “it's your season,” they usually mean “springtime,” when they mean “time for growth and flowering.”

It indicates the waiting is ended, and God is accelerating your life. When it comes to “When it comes to “your season,” you believe everything is possible.

But recently, I've been wondering if we've missed some of the message about life's seasonality. Is it only appropriate to rejoice when we are in the midst of a period of progress and prosperity? Is it true that just because we aren't doing what we think we should be doing, we aren't accomplishing anything at all? I find it difficult to believe that a God who created four seasons in nature only granted us one season to appreciate during our lives. No, I believe we have placed ourselves in this box. Perhaps the straightforward reality is…

I understand that this may not be to our liking.

We adore spring because everything is new and fresh, and everything grows and blossoms into a riotous display of color. Spring is a visual representation of hope, and when it comes to our life, unexpected blessings flood us like fresh rain. New opportunities and assignments are opening up in a spectacular way.

The glorious celebration of summer continues, revealing its splendor all around. Everyone wants to be a part of what's going on in our life now that it's peak season.

However, in the fall, we begin to get concerned. There is beauty, but it appears in a different way. When we understand it won't endure, we grow frightened and spend countless hours attempting to cling on even as it crumbles. We don't know why things are changing and, more significantly, why we can't stop it.

We're a little down by the time our winter hits. What we had seems to have vanished. There's nothing new on the horizon, and the breakneck pace we've grown accustomed to is absent. Instead, we rush around looking for something to do since we are not productive until we are occupied. And, of course, we must be productive, because we are worthless if we are not.

It may seem foolish to read it, but living it can be excruciating. Many of us have constructed our entire sense of self-worth around what we do rather than who we are. So, when we can't do what we're supposed to do, we're at a loss.

Perhaps by examining the life of a tree, we can learn a few things to help us relax.

A tree's life cycle is preprogrammed from the moment it develops, allowing it to get the most out of each season. Some are designed to remain green all year, while others are designed to undergo a more visual transformation each year. Those trees that alter in a more visible manner, comparable to us, have an obvious path.

• Its growing seasons are spring and summer. There's lots of sunlight, so the tree thrives and produces lovely green leaves. You'd believe the tree has reached its peak at this moment. What could possibly be more gorgeous than seeing it in full bloom?
• However, when autumn comes, the amount of sunshine decreases, and many trees begin to display a stunning palette of reds, yellows, and oranges. Surprisingly, the colors have always been there, but the summer sun kept them from showing through.
• The leaves on the tree begin to fall as winter approaches. We commonly refer to the tree losing its leaves, however the tree actually secretes a chemical that causes the leaves to fall off. It recognizes that nutrients are scarce during the winter months. As a result, it sheds its leaves to go dormant, conserving energy for the spring rebirth.

Each bullet contains so many valuable life lessons that I could dedicate a whole blog to it! If we only remember one thing, let it be the value of appreciating each season for the beauty and benefits it brings. Yes, our spring and summer seasons are spectacular, but our fall and winter seasons may also be vibrant, full of wonder, and delight.

Our problem is that we often spend our winters wishing for summer instead of shedding, resting, and rejuvenating ourselves. Maybe it's because we've never been taught to cherish silence. We believe that in order to be useful, we must be active.

However, God does sit us down from time to time to restore, renew, rejuvenate, and reconcile us to Himself. It's not that it isn't our season; it's simply that it isn't spring. And that's fine. We're OK. We are still important and cherished.

Embrace whichever stage of life you're in! If you're on a winter break, take advantage of it – without guilt, apology, or shame. Take care of your blooming blooms if it's springtime in your area. Is it summertime in your neck of the woods? Then let it all hang out and give God the glory.

Seasons change, and life moves on with the same ferocity as the hands of the clock. Let us make the most of where we are right now and leave the rest to God.

What does God say about Seasons of Life?

This year's fall season begins on September 22nd, and it won't be long before we see traces of its arrival in our senior living community. The days will grow shorter, the leaves on the trees will change color, and we will be surrounded by autumn-themed events and decorations.

The changing of the seasons may be an exciting period, full with annual activities and holidays that we eagerly anticipate. It can also be disturbing if we allow our anxieties about the unknown to cloud our judgment.

Here are three Bible verses to remind us to keep our eyes on God and the comfort His unchanging promises provide when change is on the horizon.

Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, and day and night will not cease as long as the world exists. KJV Genesis 8:22

The earth's seasons are a reflection of its Creator and the continuity of His nature. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning (James 1:17-19). He begat us with the word of truth of his own will, so we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Every single one of our father's creations, from the tiniest sparrow to the mightiest leviathan, is cared for. And He considers us to be more valuable than these. In any period of uncertainty, we can be assured that His love and provision for us will never fail.

There is a season for everything, and a time for everything under the heavens: KJV Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes describes a variety of seasons that we will encounter in our lives, including birth, death, mourning, and joy. The Bible teaches us that going through good and bad periods in life is natural and expected. Though it is simple to hold on to optimism in joyful surroundings, we must not allow our faith to be shaken by changing circumstances. In John 16:33, Jesus assured us, “These things I have said unto you, that in me ye might have peace.” You will have tribulation in this world, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

God is with us at all times throughout our lives. When we face the uncertainty, we can be assured that He is in charge and that everything is working out for our good.

And he shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in its season; his leaf shall not wither, and all he does shall prosper. KJV Psalm 1:3

Psalms chapter 1 reminds us that if we delight in learning about the Lord's ways, we shall be like a tree rooted by a stream that bears pleasant fruit. Let that then dwell in you, which ye have heard from the beginning, says 1 John 2:24-25. You will continue in the Son and in the Father if everything you have heard from the beginning remains in you. And this is the assurance that he has given us: eternal life.

Let us recall the wonderful intentions that He has for us and our future, both here on earth and in Heaven, as we bid farewell to summer and look forward to the arrival of fall, its harvest, and Thanksgiving Day celebrations. This concentration will provide us a solid foundation that will never sway in the face of change.

What do you do on a spiritual dry season?

There are probably 2,345,234 things to do that will make you feel better.

Here are some things I've done over the course of my 30 years as a Christian to help me get through spiritual droughts, spiritual distance, and dark nights of the soul.

Get to the root of your current fears, worries, and emotions

We often feel disappointed in our spiritual journeys and estranged from God for whatever reason we believe makes us unacceptably sinful. Maybe it's because we're enraged at God.

Get a journal and scribble everything down. Find Scripture that speaks to all of your problems, fears, and concerns. You might be amazed at how revitalized you feel after being completely honest with yourself.

Ask God to speak somehow someway

Some people believe that God only communicates with us through the Bible, but that is not my belief. Furthermore, it is both tedious and depressing.

(A year before I had cancer, I had a dream that I felt was from God, and when I awoke, I contacted my SIL and told her, “I'm going to have cancer, but it'll be okay.” As a result, He can say whatever He wishes.)

In the Bible, God communicated with people through His Word (by prophets, disciples, and so on), dreams, visions, talking donkeys, and flaming bushes.

Find a shoulder to cry on and pray with

Calling someone you love and telling them how you feel is one of the best things you can do. Share your feelings with them and ask them to pray for you.

Ask yourself the hard questions

I know that when I was at my lowest, those who asked me the following questions irritated me…

Of course, it's clear now that I despised such queries because they pricked my nerves. I'm no longer frightened to ask them.

What is a spiritual winter season?

The irony of sharing a post on winter with you on the summer solstice. We are, at least in the northern hemisphere, experiencing days that are longer than nights. My Alaskan friends are out fishing or playing in the midnight sun, while I, who am currently visiting family in Idaho, am enjoying the spontaneity of summer's schedule, or lack thereof, and letting my kids stay up until ten o'clock simply because I've lost track of time and how could it be so late when it's still light out?

Do you feel like your heart is ready to soar with the summer breeze? Or do you blink against the daylight's brazen breeching into the dark, muted areas of your soul because of the excitement? If this is the case, you may be in a spiritual winter season.

INDICATORS OF A SPIRITUAL WINTER OF THE SOUL

A season of dormancy is essential necessary for a plant's growth and fruitfulness, according to nature. The effect is the same whether the season is snowy or dry, and a forced rest will occur before any fruit is produced. I believe we humans can learn a thing or two from God's creation's rhythms and cycles (which, we are also a part of).

“Winter delivers some of the most profound and enlightening times of our human existence, and those who have wintered possess wisdom.” We are constantly attempting to postpone the arrival of winter in our hectic modern environment. We never dare to feel the full force of its biting, and we never dare to demonstrate how it ravages us. Sometimes a hard winter would be beneficial. We must stop thinking that these are stupid periods in our lives, that they are the result of a lack of courage or willpower. We must abandon our attempts to ignore or rid of them. They are genuine, and they have a request for us. We must learn to welcome winter into our homes.”

I haven't read May's book on wintering, and I believe it isn't written from a Christian perspective; but, I agree with the strong feeling expressed in the above phrase, that a good wintering can be beneficial to us. You've probably heard the adage that if you don't physically relax, your body will eventually force you to do so. Could this also be true spiritually? God's concept of Sabbath rest would suggest this, as we can see from the fact that the number of years the Israelites spent in exile was precisely proportional to the number of years they neglected to allow the earth to rest. (See Leviticus 26:34-35 for further information.)

So, I'd like to argue that after a particularly heavy harvest, we may need to choose to winter. Other times, however, tragedy unexpectedly ices the landscape of our spirits. There's no way to avoid it. The blizzard has arrived, and we can only cling to the barn's rope as we stumble blindly toward safety.

These may be some clues that your soul is in the spiritual season of winter:

• You've come to the end of a hectic season of job, ministry, or family life, and you're yearning for peace.
• You keep on with a task that used to make you happy but now makes you exhausted.
• You've suffered a huge loss (a loved one, a dream, a house, stability, health, etc.) and are in intense mourning.
• God has lately renovated your heart, and it is now settling in and being put to the test.
• Your prayers are lackluster, one-sided, and difficult to share publicly without sounding forced.

KEY SPIRITUAL PRACTICES FOR WINTER

If you sense you are in a spiritual winter or need to pick a season of calm and rest, you might find the following spiritual disciplines, or activities, useful for connecting with God:

• Sabbath. While this is a gift from God for all seasons, beginning or developing your Sabbath practice may be especially beneficial during your soul's winter. The Sabbath is a time to reflect on what the Lord has already given you and to be grateful for it. Winter tempts us to lament our losses, whereas Sabbath encourages us to rejoice in the riches that has already been given to us in Christ Jesus. On this day, in this season, manna may not be dropping from the sky, but believing our Father's goodness on Sabbath confronts the dread of scarcity and declares, “My God is more than enough.”
• Solitude. Acquire the ability to be alone. Long walks are recommended. Sit quietly for a while. Make plans to meet Jesus for coffee and leave your phone at home. Begin a solitary pastime like woodworking, candlemaking, snowshoeing, or beekeeping. Get away for a day, or maybe a week, by yourself. As I've previously stated, be present to God in the silence in order to be present to others in the noise.
• Prayers without words. To feel loved, you only need to say a few words to the people closest to you. Winter is a season when God appears to be silent, but rest assured, He is still close by. This is a truth you'll discover more fully in the stillness of winter than in the frenzy of summer fun. Your words may not impress him, but He enjoys your trusting stare. Allow your imagination to transport you to the throne room, a favorite Bible narrative, or Jesus' lap as a child.
• Simplicity. You may have accumulated more stuff–actual stuff, scheduled stuff, emotional stuff–than you truly need from previous seasons. Winter is an excellent time for pruning, leanness, and simplicity. Take stock of your possessions and let go of anything that won't help you improve. White space, like freshly fallen snow, is a thing of beauty.
• Confession. Accepting the trimming of winter may necessitate the offering of forgiveness in order to eliminate resentment. To purge pride, apologies are required. Sin must be confessed before it can be thrown out with the trash. This should be done on purpose. Pronounce it aloud. Make it a habit to do it more than once.

BOOKS FOR WINTER

• Ruth Haley Barton encourages you to meet God completely and totally outside the demands and commotion of daily life in Invitation to Solitude and Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence. It's an invitation to embark on a journey of spiritual transformation–one that will take you to freedom and authenticity, allowing you to become the person God intended for you to be.

What are the 4 seasons of life?

One of my professors also taught me the value of recognizing the seasons of life (as mentioned by Jim Rohn in his book and famous lectures) and how to use them wisely, as described in the above anecdote. Because, much like nature, we go through distinct seasons in our lives. Winter, spring, summer, and fall are the four seasons that can be compared to life.

People were more connected to the seasons in the past when there was no electricity. Their lifestyles, diets, and routines were modified to the seasons, which they welcomed. In the winter, a farmer, for example, might rest and polish his tools. He'll prepare the land and plant the seeds in the spring. He will nourish his crop and defend it from pests such as insects, weeds, and animals during the summer. He'll reap the benefits of his hard work and patience in the fall when he harvests the crop. Then he'd do it all over again.

We have lost contact with the seasons in the modern world as a result of all of the technological advancements. Throughout the year, we maintain the same routine, diet, and lifestyle. This causes us to lose sight of the natural cycles of life, resulting in an imbalance in our existence.

• Summer brings signals of growth, the need for protection, and a plethora of distractions.

How long is a season?

In regard to its orbit around the Sun, the Earth's axis is slightly inclined. Seasons exist for this reason.

The year is split into four seasons in most civilizations, including all Western countries:

Because there are 12 months in a year, each season lasts around three months. However, depending on who you ask, the seasons begin and end on different dates. The astronomical definition and the meteorological definition are the two most prevalent ways for determining the dates of the seasons.

Where in the Bible does it say to everything there is a season?

The central theme of this poetic passage is God's supreme authority in heaven and on earth. Many things in our world have been mastered by humans, but other aspects of our life are beyond our control. We will never be able to defeat time. Each moment is predetermined by God.

Joy and sadness, pleasure and agony, harmony and strife, and life and death are all present in our lives. Each season has a specific place in the life cycle. Nothing stays the same, and we must learn to accept and adjust to the ebb and flow of God's plan as God's children. Some seasons are trying, and we may have no idea what God is up to. During those times, we must submit humbly to the Lord's plans and believe that he is accomplishing his good objectives.