In the wise words of Solomon, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Life has its seasons of joy and happiness, as well as its seasons of sorrow and pain. Both seasons shape our lives and our thinking in many ways, and although we may prefer the sunny season of happiness, peace of mind and joy, there is also much we can learn from the challenging seasons in our lives.
One commentator explained how sorrow could shape our lives. He said,
“The Arabs have a proverb: “All sunshine makes a desert.” The land on which the sun always shines will soon become an arid place in which no fruit will grow. There are certain things which only the rains will produce; and certain experiences which only sorrow can beget. Sorrow can do two things for us. It can show us, as nothing else can, the essential kindness of our fellow-men; and it can show us as nothing else can, the comfort and the compassion of God. Many and many a man in the hour of his sorrow has discovered his fellow-men and his God as he never did before. When things go well it is possible to live for years on the surface of things; but when sorrow comes a man is driven to the deep things of life, and, if he accepts it aright, a new strength and beauty enter into his soul”.
It is true that sorrow and hurt may have a bitter element to it, but it is also in the stressing of muscles that one experiences growth and strength.
It is my prayer that in whatever season you find yourself in, that you will know the Lord’s presence and peace.
Blessings,
Chris Eke
