Releasing Summer's Bittersweet End - September 21st

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Releasing Summer’s Bittersweet End
Your Nightly Prayer
by Greg Grandchamp

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” - Psalm 139:5

SOMETHING TO PONDER

When we think of summer and the changing of seasons, William Shakespeare is not the first name to come to mind. Yet, in one of his writings, he left us with a quote that is true even today.

“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” 

That rings true for most of us. Here we are, another summer has come and gone. 

Despite the sometimes unwelcome heat, summer offers many busy pleasures, such as planned vacations or family visits. Add in the kids’ activities and sports, driving them to and fro, and…well, that busyness tends to make the season fly by. The end of summer sometimes seems to come around way too fast.

And yet, there is also something soothing about the summer season. We watch the flowers bloom and grow. We may spend some time at the beach (if you’re close enough), the lake, or by the pool. The days are longer. We enjoy more outdoor BBQs and grilling in the North. There is a lot to like about summer, and sometimes it’s hard to get back into shorter days, earlier nights, school activities, colder weather – and, depending on where you live, preparing for the snowy season looming right behind the fall.

Sometimes, we may be regretful and remorseful over plans that weren’t fulfilled. But a new season brings with it the air of fresh starts and new opportunities. We have a brand-new opportunity to re-establish what might have been lost in the hustle and bustle of summer.

The end of summer offers us a powerful opportunity to look back on the past season with joy and look forward to a bit of spiritual renewal. Let us move into the new season, living our lives intentionally as Christ-followers. Let us grow into who we are in Him.  

Seasons will forever change—seasons of the year or your life. Yet, God remains faithful through all. Psalm 139:5 tells us, “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” He is with us, leading us and protecting us.

As summer draws to a close, let’s reset our spirits and step into the next season with strong intention, clarity of our hearts and souls, and renewed devotion and commitment to the Lord.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Oh, Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the incredible gift of seasons. Thank you for all you gave me this past summer, Lord. For every memory and for every lesson, and for every opportunity for growth you gave me. As we enter this new season, please renew my heart, Lord. Please restore any passion I might have left behind – and redirect my steps in the path you would have me take. Please help me to walk boldly into my future in your will and not my own. Help me live with hope and purpose and peace in You.
In Jesus' holy name.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Take time to reflect on the end of summer – with gratitude and thanksgiving
Regardless of what filled your summer, pause a moment before you move forward into fall. Consider all the good things you did—the time you spent with family and friends. Think about the moments of joy, experiencing the long days and warm nights. And give thanks for them all.

2. Let it go. This is a time of renewal.
Let’s make the end of summer a perfect time to release whatever burdens, regrets, or unfinished plans are weighing on your heart and mind. As Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

3. Reset your priorities and goals
How can you make yourself more available to God and His calling on your life? Now is the time to begin letting His grace guide your goals and objectives—and not pressure from others. Let the Holy Spirit lead you by growing closer and leaning into Him.

Photo Credit: Arto Marttinen/Unsplash

Grandchamp is an author and speaker. His book, “In Pursuit of Truth, A Journey Begins,” is an easy-to-read narrative that offers answers to the most common questions new believers and non-believers have about Jesus Christ (Amazon.) Greg speaks on living out our faith in our daily lives – and on creating true disciples of Christ.
Greg doesn’t pretend to be a pastor, a theologian, or a Bible expert, but offers the perspective of an everyday guy on the same journey as everyone else – in pursuit of truth.
Greg can be reached by email  or on Facebook @ Greg Grandchamp - Author.

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