Facing Life’s Trials: The Seasons of Life

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.  Psalm 25:1-7 (NIV)

Each season of our life has its own problems. As children we worry about getting and keeping friends, school work, pleasing parents, and in all too many cases, child abuse and neglect by the adults in our lives. Then as teens the worries shift to altering bodies and developing sexuality, popularity, physical attractiveness, clothes, social situations, parent problems, and perhaps the problems the adults in our lives have that are causing problems in the family like broken homes, absentee parents, alcohol and drug abuse, and the list goes on.

As young adults the worries change to finding a purpose in life, finding a life partner, an education and a career. Then getting married and having children, making a living and the problems that not having enough money brings with it, juggling child care, careers, family and self-advancement and fulfillment. After that come the dreaded middle-age years of the empty nest syndrome, reinventing oneself as circumstances are rapidly changing, perhaps job instability, divorce, money problems, and problems with wayward children.

Next comes finding relevance in a world that no longer depends on you, losing a spouse, alienation from friends, family, children or significant others. Health problems begin to rear their ugly heads and going to the doctor becomes a routine thing, if we can afford to go to one.  Perhaps bankruptcy because of infirmities or disease and the high costs of being sick or disabled.

And we discussed old age before. Who will care for me? Can I afford the care I may need? Will my family and friends still gather around me? Will anyone still love me? Will anyone still care for me? These are all valid concerns. Every season of life has its problems, but also its great rewards. The most important thing is how you meet the problems and who you trust to see you through them. Look to Jesus, the author of our salvation. He will see you through.                                                                                      

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23 (NIV)

Pat Eppler