My last post included this line: “Winter is past, and it’s time for new life, beauty, and singing again.” That sentence refers to Song of Songs 2:11-12, which says, “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come…”
I didn’t realize at the moment I wrote them how significant those words were. I was writing in faith that those words would be true in the weeks to come, but I had no idea the declaration would bring the truth of that sentence to reality as quickly as it did.
You see, for nearly three weeks (since waves of disappointment started to hit), I had been unable to sing. I tried. I would play the guitar or listen to worship music on my computer and try to sing along, but instead of the words and melody flowing, only tears would flow. My heart was praising through the pain I was feeling, but my mouth could not.
On Saturday, I went to help a friend clean a church building. This building has held many happy moments for me, and a few difficult ones as well. During a few minutes between cleaning floors, I sat at the piano and sang, “It is well…” Aside from missing a few chords due to lack of practice, I made it through the song. I was able to sing again. A season of singing has truly come again, and it’s all because I surrendered my own thoughts and expectations.
One translation of Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” When my view of my situation included no vision for the future, I could see no possible reason for this season of disappointment. All I saw was wilderness stretching in front of me with no sign of any promised land on the horizon. “Perish” might be a strong word, but then again…
When I offered God my view of my circumstances, He was able to replace it with His perspective. And let me tell you, His vision and perspective makes all the difference in the world. As though a switch was flipped in my heart, light began to shine into the darkness I’d been sitting in for weeks. Hope was visible again. I can see beauty beginning to grow from the ashes.
If asked whether I am excited to return to the States in 56 days, – yes, I leave 8 weeks from today – I would have to be honest and say no. But I’m getting there. I see a purpose in this season now, and I recognize that it’s simply a season.
I don’t know what doors God will open in the months to come, but I know He knows what He’s doing and He is faithful. He will use every season, and if we will let Him, He will often give us a glimpse of just how He is using it in our lives and the lives of those around us. And that is something to get excited about.
