As Autumn ends and Winter begins, this is a good time to take note of seasonal transitions.
Please take some time to read the scriptures below as we dive in to this topic:
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 (KJV): To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Job 37:9-10 (CSB): The windstorm comes from its chamber, and the cold from the driving north winds. Ice is formed by the breath of God, and watery expanses are frozen.
Psalm 147: 15-17 (KJV): He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: His word runneth very swiftly. He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: Who can stand before his cold?
Winter has a unique place amongst all the seasons. The days are shorter, the biting cold changes rain to snow and ice, and the plants and animals lay dormant. There is a pause that takes place which makes this the perfect time for reflection.
The above scriptures remind us that God is in control of whichever season we are in, be it natural, spiritual, emotional, etc. Whenever there is a pause in our lives, it is He who has appointed it for a purpose. We should be careful that we don’t mistake a dormant season for a dead one.
While the plants may look dead, they certainly are not. They slow their growth during winter and focus on developing their root systems to store energy for the next season. Also the cold kills pests and diseases and prepares seeds for germination in the spring.
As cold as snow is above ground, this acts as an insulating layer to trap the heat beneath the ground and protects the plants roots and provide shelter for some animals.
The cold temperatures help to conserve water that feeds rivers, streams and lakes when it melts in the spring. This also keeps our soil at the proper moisture levels for spring planting. Additionally microorganisms slow down the rate that they break down organic material during winter which ensures that plants get the nutrients in the spring.
Genesis 1:14 (KJV): And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
When God created the seasons, He knew what he was doing. We ought to learn from His creation and also take the time to rest, store up our energy and prepare so when the next season is upon is we can hit the ground running into what God has appointed for us in that season.
