Every season brings a certain amount of joy to me. I enjoy all four and that makes Michigan a great home for me. I talk with many people who complain about winter and I wonder to myself why anyone would live in Michigan that hates the winter. But I also have identified a selfish streak inside of me that could could easily move into griping and complaining about petty things like the weather. The summer was too hot/cold. There was too much/not enough rain. Summer is over too soon.
If my heart is left unchecked, I can always find something to complain about. And so I choose to strive for hope and joy in all things. Psalm 42:11 says “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God! For I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”
Rather than listen to our unchecked hearts, we should speak words of hope and joy! Our inner dialogue should be one of encouraging ourselves to praise Him. For the one who has built their life upon the rock of Jesus Christ, we have hope in every season and season of life. It is not merely circumstantial. Sure, I like hot cider and donuts and the smell of burning leaves and the beautiful colors of the trees. But my praise of the creator drives those things home with purpose and joy. The things I enjoy around me, are signs of the greater truth, that God is for His children, and my ultimate joy is wrapped up in Him who is my salvation and my God!