Mists and mellow fruitfulness

According to the poet John Keats (1795-1821), Autumn was “the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” [from his poem To Autumn].  In recent weeks, we have lived through such a season. It has been frequently misty, at times wet, and we have noticed the changing colours on the leaves of the trees. There have been occasional warmer spells.

As some areas of the country have been subject to flooding, we have been reminded that we are not in control of the weather. We listen to the weather forecasts, because they help us to prepare for whatever we are going to experience. It is wise to be ready for anything and ask God to help us to bear all the afflictions and difficulties.  

This applies not only to the weather, but to every experience in life.  We are constantly being confronted by unexpected events – personally, nationally and internationally. As individuals we can do little to influence the outcome of many of the crises of life except pray to the God who has everything in his own control. It is vital to trust him to bring his own purposes to pass. What God plans and brings about will always be the best for us.

As believing individuals, we need to ask for God’s guidance when we are required to make important decisions in life. We must believe that God’s way is best, which it certainly is.  

Sometimes we need to make decisions in a hurry, because they are urgent.  In the book of Nehemiah, we read of the moment when Nehemiah, who was the king’s cup-bearer, brought wine to King Artaxerxes, and the king noticed how sad Nehemiah looked. The king asked if he could help in any way, and Nehemiah had just moments to reply. We read that “He prayed to the God of Heaven” and he told the king his sadness was the result of the of the walls of Jerusalem being broken down. Nehemiah asked if he would let him go to Jerusalem, armed with all the necessary helpers and provisions, to repair the walls. Sometimes our prayers need that degree of immediacy.

Pray that God would show us what to do, in every unexpected time of need.