Finding Wisdom in Seasons of Change

Can unchanging truths about wisdom lead to seasons of real change?

Adventures. Tragedies. Romance. Mystery. All the metaphors and poetic verse pique my brain and prod me to study beyond the written page. I want to dig deeper and understand hidden truths or messages stuffed between blurred lines of ever-changing characters. Some resemble scary ghost stories without all the ghouls. Others are horrific. A few have lots of warnings and instructions. Many are sprinkled throughout several books in the Bible. Proverbs is one of my favorites. It’s where wisdom is personified and takes on a beautiful life of its—or her—own. Intriguing stories with unexpected chapters and cliffhangers beckon me until I ask to know more. After all, finding wisdom in seasons of change is like searching for treasure. It’s a gift from the only one who is forever unchanging. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

Seek him first

Today, while all media platforms blare about coming seasons of darkness or turmoil and forecast the bleakest future for our children and grandchildren, I decided to rearrange random river rocks and large stones in the woodland stream in my backyard. It didn’t matter that I forgot to wear garden gloves or the new baby blue waders my husband gave me last Christmas. I had to get my hands dirty—and throw a few rocks downstream. I’m reminded how inner peace and true comfort have nothing to do with world news.

We can’t buy or recreate wisdom’s supernatural power. Miracles come naturally from much prayer, belief, and asking. It all begins inside sincere hearts—and shows on the outside, usually via a big smile. No matter how hard I’ve tried to find my way in this ever-changing world, I’ve only experienced true rest after seeking God’s way. He alone gives me peace that surpasses understanding—and an extra measure of strength to find more wisdom in such seasons of change.

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!

1 Chronicles 16:11

Wisdom gained from a child-like nature

Authors, like King Solomon, wrote about wisdom with lyrical prose and a romantic heart. Several years ago, I wrote a prayer poetry series. It included my artistic vision of wisdom. Since I love to connect with children and nature, it was natural for me to ask for wisdom regarding the Holy Spirit’s sanctuary and how one might gain insight from innocent minds or green pastures. I’ve included a few re-worked verses throughout this post.

Wisdom is the gentle breeze that soothes tired little eyes and bids them to sleep. She’s like a misty rain that cools a father’s head, and the dandelion wishes of childhood that refreshes mother’s mind. She is the ever-flowing river of forgiveness that’s never dry and teaches us to forgive. Like a majestic, snow-covered mountain that reaches up to heaven . . . She’s beautiful.

Joann Claypoole (Excerpt from ‘Beautiful’ Prayer Poetry Series, 2009-2011)

Attributes of wisdom in all seasons?

Wisdom calms my spirit with the truth of the Holy Spirit’s word. She eases tension with truth and teaches me to delight in others’ triumphs. Wisdom shares in others’ trials. She is nourishment for my heart. (Verse from ‘Beautiful’ ~ My Prayer Poetry Series 2009)

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 (KJV)

Wisdom’s anti-aging destressing treatment

Like the unchanging Father, Wisdom guides decerning hearts in all seasons and helps us become the change this world desperately needs.

• Wisdom’s truth softens.
• Her wise counsel soothes rough patches and leads us on to narrow paths.
• Understanding and love can heal all wounds.
• Jesus, Son of God, erases all our debts. Our sins are washed away.

Wisdom. Beautiful. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. Forever the same, but an agent of our greatest change.

God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Reinhold Niebuhr (Excerpt from the Serenity Prayer)

Dear friends,

Spring has sprung! Daffodils, hyacinths, and beds of tulips usher in longer days. Have you ever questioned the significance of the meaning of the many different seasons in your life? What if a few scary chapters in life are meant to strengthen and guide us onward—especially now, during these recent tumultuous seasons in this world? How will we know when it’s time to be still or close one door or chapter in life, and turn the page to open or start another?

Please join the conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts here in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post. I pray the scriptures, quotes, and images I’ve included in this post inspire you to seek a closer relationship with our creator of all seasons and to be a blessing to others on this ever-changing journey we call life.

Want to read a few more of my IAF stories? Click a few highlighted post links throughout this story, or check out my Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog. Wishing you good health, joy, and the wisdom to know the one who loves you in every season and every chapter of your unique adventure.  ~ JC

           

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Free images courtesy of Pixabay: Feature image by Bessie, #1Lg image: Christine Engelhardt, #2 Lg image: Kranich17,  #3 Lg image: congerdesign