Seasons - [Notes]

Change can bring all sorts of emotions and responses—some of excitement, some of grief, and some in between. Pastor Josh will help us navigate these emotions as we enter a new season by giving us insight into what God says about change and how we can prepare our hearts to handle it well. Join us for "Seasons!"

Takeaway: We can navigate seasons of change well.

There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
– Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (HCSB)

Sovereignty of God: The Biblical teaching that God possesses all power and is the ruler of all things (Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:34-35). God rules the world according to His eternal purpose, even through events that seem to contradict or oppose His rule.
– Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary

“Timing is important. All the experiences listed in these verses are appropriate at certain times. The secret to having peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God’s perfect timing. There is danger in doubting or resenting God’s timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without His guidance.”
– Life Application Study Bible

After he said this, he knelt down and prayed with all of them. There was a great deal of weeping by everyone. They embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving most of all over his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
– Acts 20:36-38 (HCSB)

Tears are natural. They are uniquely engineered by God in the human nervous system. Emotional tears–not reflex tears that occur when you get something in your eye–have a specifically therapeutic chemical makeup. They include higher concentrations of proteins, manganese, prolactin and adrenocorticotropic hormone, of the best-known indicators of stress. They also release enkephalin, which is an endorphin  and natural painkiller. How remarkable that God has hardwired us to weep when we come to the end of our resources! Tears wash away the buildup of toxic chemicals that accrue under stress. They are part of the process that can restore psychological and physiological balance. Tears ease the pain of broken bodies and broken hearts.
–Adele Calhoun, Invitations from God, 87-88

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9 (HCSB)

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:20b (HCSB)

Praise the Lord // 1,000 Names // No Body // It Is Well

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