The Cycle of Life
There are so many lessons we can learn by observing nature. The changing of the seasons, the process of growth, dependency on light and so much more all have a spiritual application. The Creator has left His fingerprint in nature so that all of humanity could be drawn to Him as Lord. Romans 1.20 says: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Some have called this Intelligent Design, as they have observed nature’s intricacies and yet struggle with an understanding of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Yet, nature points to its Creator as the source of life and order. I believe, what nature reveals about God can also be found in the Bible as spiritual truth.
In reading Psalms, chapter 37, I have observed a cyclical movement in our relationship with God. In verses 3 to 7, there are four seasons, (or movements), one can follow. They are: Trust, Delight, Commit and Rest. (as seen in the diagram below) I call this the cycle of life.
TRUST is the beginning point. “Trust in the Lord and do good” (Ps. 37.3a) It is in the Spring that one prepares the field and sows the seed. Just as one trusts that the seed will produce a plant and that plant will bear fruit, so one is to trust that the Word of God is true and that it will produce good in our life. One’s trust in the Lord is seen in his ability to dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. (v.3b)
DELIGHT is a direct consequence of trust. By trusting in the Lord, we are not disappointed. The little spout breaks through the ground and the buds blossom on the branches. Summer is here. The birds are singing; new life is all around. The promise has not yet come, but there is rejoicing just the same. Just the slightest sign of life produces an expectation of fulfillment, knowing that God is giving us the desires of our hearts. (v.4)
COMMIT is one’s response to God’s promise. (v.5) The fruit must be gathered in. The laborers are needed for the harvest. One must be committed to the work of ingathering. The Fall is no time to go on vacation. It is harvest-time. Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. (Luke 10.2) When we are committed to serve the purposes of God, God is ready to fulfill our desires. In fact, our desires become His desires and His desires become our desires.
REST brings us once again to a position of trust. It is when we sit in heavenly places and wait on the Lord. The Bible says that it is with faith and patience that one inherits the promises. (Heb. 6.12) This season of Winter may be a trying time, but it will contribute to our maturity and our ability to trust, delight and commit once again. Learn to live and move in this cycle of life. The benefits are truly great.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Psalms 37.3-7; 20.7; Luke 10.2-9; Heb. 6.9-12; Mat. 6.25-33