PHOTO CAPTION: Whatever we are doing in life, God is with us.
SEASONS: Have you ever noticed that life comes in seasons? We have yearly seasons that come and go, winter, spring, summer and fall, and we have seasons in our lives as well. We might have carefree happy times as a young child, a learning season when we get into school and on into college where we learn, grow, become more and more independent and go down the road to discovering who we are. Then there is the busy season where we get into a career, get married, have kids and find ourselves juggling many things. We may be sleep-deprived, especially as young parents. Of course there are the years when you are chauffeur to your school age children and their various activities. You thought maybe it would slow down when they started school and they became more independent, but it seems that you are busier than ever. Then there are nights laying awake to hear you son or daughter’s car pull in the driveway when they start driving. Then comes the empty nest season as your kids move out and start lives of their own unless they move back in with you which seems to be happening more frequently these days. Other seasons are becoming grandparents, thinking about retirement and then perhaps facing health issues as you grow older or caring for parents and grandparents who may have health issues. Life does not stay the same. Just when you think you have it figured out, something changes. Sunshine turns to rain, leaves begin to fall, winter winds blow and you begin to wonder if summer will ever return, but it does. The rain will not fall forever, sunshine will return.
DAVID: Thinking about the seasons of life, I thought of David and all the seasons he went through and the many different roles he played in his life time. As a boy, he was a shepherd. He spent many a day out in the fields, alone with just the sheep and his harp for company, but God was there. I think it was in the fields, during those long, lonely days, that he learned to walk with God. No one else saw him out in those fields, but God did. God knew what David was doing and learning during this season of his life and God was with him preparing him for what was to come. David was learning to worship and God was teaching him how to “shepherd” because someday, David would be “shepherding” Israel as their king.
David was anointed king by Samuel. Although he was anointed, he didn’t step into his kingly role until much later. He still had more to learn. He had to learn to kill “giants” and stand strong in God’s mighty power. He had to learn to be a warrior.
After killing Goliath, David went to play the harp for King Saul. Perhaps it was here that he learned a little more about the role of king or at least he learned more about the power of worship. Then he had to flee from Saul’s presence. He was a fugitive, running for his life, hiding out and establishing himself as a leader as he gained an army of men who were loyal to him. Did he wonder what God was doing during all of these years? Did he ask God, “Why God, am I going through this season? Why am I being pursued and hunted down by the king?”
PSALMS: As we read his raw honesty in the many Psalms that he wrote, we know that he did go through hard times and he did question, yet he always pursued and remained true to God. In these experiences, he learned that God had not forsaken him. God was faithful and true. God saw him, God knew him and God was with him.
DAVID BECOMES KING: Finally he did become king, but God wasn’t done teaching him yet. David still had trials. He still messed up and He still had many things to learn. Yet David kept looking to God and seeking him all the days of his life. His heart was for God.
YOUR SEASON: What season do you find yourself in right now? Are things going well? Life is good and you are thankful for all of God’s blessings in your life. If so, then help someone else who needs a helping hand. Maybe life isn’t going so well right now. Maybe you feel like it’s fall and winter storms will soon be on the horizon. You are not prepared and you don’t know if you are ready to face what is ahead. Please know that God is with you. He knows exactly where you are at and what you are facing. This season didn’t catch Him by surprise. He is with you and will walk with you through it. Perhaps you are already in the dark, dreary, cold days of winter and you find yourself wondering if this season will ever end. God knows that too. He sees you. He knows the darkness, the sadness, the pain and hurt that you are going through and He wants to walk with you through it. Whatever season you find yourself in, let me gently remind you that God sees you, He knows you and He is with you. How do I know? I know because I’ve read it in the pages of His Word and I know because He has been there for me time and time and time again, just like He was for David.
GOD HAS A PLAN: You see He has a plan and a purpose for our lives and He is working out His plan one season after another. He is shaping and growing us as we learn to depend on Him. When you need encouragement to keep going in those hard seasons of life, try reading Psalms. You may even wish to write your own honest psalm to God or write your name in the words of the psalm you are reading. Tell God how you feel. Tell Him you need to know that He is there. Ask Him for direction for each moment. He is there. He sees you. He knows all about you and He will be faithful to you. You can count on that!
PARENT PRAYER:
Father God,
Thank you for your faithfulness to me throughout my life. I have gone through sickness, times of depression and times of hurt. I have wondered, “What is happening? How will I face this particular moment?” I have had nights of prayer and concern for my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. I have cried out to you on the behalf of friends and family. I also have wondered why some dreams never seem to come to fruition. I have cried with my kids when they have been disappointed and yes, God, I have asked you why. Yet in all these things, I have seen your faithfulness. Sometimes, I have felt like you were far away and yet you have never left me. You have been there every step of the way and I am incredibly thankful for your presence. I ask that you continue to walk with me and my family all the days of our lives. May we never forget that you are the God who sees us, knows us and is always with us. Amen
FAVORITE PSALMS:
Psalm 1 – VS. 3 That person is like a tree planed by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season….
Psalm 23 – VS. 1 The Lord is my shepherd ….
Psalm 91 – VS. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…
Psalm 139 – VS. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Psalm 121 – VS. 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Read the whole of these psalms, not just the verses I have alluded to hear. Each one will speak to you and hopefully encourage you as whole.
Kid’s Section
STORY: David Is King – 2 Samuel 5
As a boy, David was a shepherd taking care of his family’s sheep. When he was taking care of the sheep, he sang songs and prayed to God. Later when he was still young, he faced the giant, Goliath. God helped him.
But did you know that David became a king? He did! Samuel anointed David to be king while he was still a boy, but he wasn’t ready to be king yet. He had to grow up and learn some things before he was ready. God helped him get ready. He helped David defeat Goliath. He helped David play his harp and sing songs for King Saul. God was with David. He was helping David get ready to be King.
One day King Saul became very angry with David. He was angry because he thought people liked David better than they liked him. King Saul was so angry, he even tried to hurt David. So David ran away and hid from King Saul. For a long time, David hid from the king. When would it be his turn to be king? God was still getting David ready to be king. David became a great warrior or fighter. because God was with him and continued to help him everyday. God kept him safe from King Saul who was trying to hunt him down.
Finally it was time for David to be king. Leaders from all over Israel came to David. They promised to help him. Being king was a BIG job, but God was still with David. David knew God loved him and would help him just like He had helped him before. All through his life, David asked God for help. He loved God with all his heart and he was a good king.
God was with David and God will be with you too. He will help you as you grow up and learn new things. He will help you when you get older. He will help you make good choices. You can ask God for help just like David did. You can love and worship God with all your heart just like David. You can love God because God loves you. Remember, God is with you. God will help you and He gives you people to help you too. You have moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, teachers, pastors, doctors and many other people who will help you everyday. Best of all, God is always ready to help you – wherever you are and whatever you are doing. He is with you!
LONG & WIDE VERSE SONG: (To the tune of: “Frere Jacque”)
How wide and long, – (Arms out wide to the side.)
And high and deep, – (Reach up high and down low.)
And high and deep,
Is the love of Christ, – (Cross arms, then raise hands up.)
Is the love of Christ.
Ephesians 3:18 – (Hands out like holding a book.)
KNOW: God will always be with me.
TALK ABOUT: What are you learning to do? People who help us. How God helps us.
ASK: Who loves you? God loves me.
AND DO… I can love God because God loves me.
FUN IDEAS FOR THIS WEEK:
- Try to allow plenty of time this week for your child to practice something he/she is learning such as putting on his shoes or zipping her jacket. If you put an extra 5-10 minutes into your schedule, you won’t feel so harried and your child will have a chance to become more independent.
- Role play with your child how to ask for help when he/she needs it and who to ask for help. Be sure to include the simple words, please and thank you when asking.
PRAYER:
Dear God,
Thank you that you are always with me. I know you will help me whenever I need it. Help me love you with all my heart just like David did and help me learn new things too. Amen
Faith Steps and More 