Cycles
Cyclical Nature: We are surrounded by cycles every day. Seasons change, the sun rises and sets, fields are planted and harvested, tides become low and high, the moon becomes full and then new, moreover, cycles are not only evident in nature but also for societal events as well. Financial economies boom and bust, empires rise and fall, and peace and safety give way to war and hardships. Cycles are also seen in our individual lives and emotions. Like a vast mountain range, there are peaks and valleys. Even if you are at the top of the summit you will one day face the hardships of a treacherous valley. The key is to be able to recognize this as a cycle, and not let it overwhelm you, for you have the Holy Spirit as your helper. The Lord hears the prayers of those who call upon Him and will move to help those who ask in faith. Remember, God takes no joy in our suffering. He heals the sick, He was sent to earth to destroy the works of the devil and He saved us from sin and death. Yes, there will be hard times, but God is here to help us. Do not think you are specifically cursed because you suffer difficulties but realize that you are simply in a world where the enemy will challenge you every step of the way. Stay strong, believe in Him and you will overcome. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33.
Happiness vs Contentment: In our society, we constantly seek happiness as the end goal. Happiness is good, but when times get tough happiness will fade away if it’s not anchored to contentment in God. Happiness based on what you want in the flesh will result in irritability when you don’t get what you want. In contrast, contentment finds a way to transcend the daily desires and focus on the eternal things. In Philippians 4:11–13 Paul says, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Verse 13 is one of the most commonly quoted scriptures for motivation to believe in God. But coupling it to the whole thought from verses 11–12 shows us that it is more than just a strengthening factor to complete a task. It is in fact, that Christ in us, makes a person content in both good and bad situations. When you have this revelation, you will know that all is well in both a good or bad cycle because you are content in Him.
Stress & Knowledge: Stress is a plague that many suffer from and it is nothing to take lightly. People get broken down all the time for various reasons, but a way to quell the stress is to know that whatever you are going through — It won’t be the end of you. Even if your earthly body is destroyed, you will live on with Christ forever and ever. This is the hope we have. Jesus speaks to his followers about anxiety and stress saying, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:25–34. Jesus recognizes that people are stressed and tells us that if we seek the kingdom of God our stresses will abate and all our needs will be supplied. This is once again a reminder to not get caught up in the small things but to focus on the important things. Life is a constant cycle, but the Word of God stands forever. Learn to be content in Him no matter the circumstances and you will see your stresses melt away.
Prophetic Cycles: In the Bible, we read of cycles that reference ages, kingdoms and prophecy of what is to come. We see a glimpse of this with Abraham being foretold what would transpire with his descendants. “Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. “But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. “As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. “Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.” — Genesis: 15:12–16. In this scripture, we can see there are specific appointed times for the future generations of what would become the Israelites. Additionally, an often overlooked portion of this scripture is that the Amorites are mentioned as well, with whom God says, “the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.” Once again, God is waiting for an appointed time, even with the Amorites. Think about your life for a moment. You are living in a specific period in history that is close to the second coming of Christ Jesus. 2000 years have passed since Jesus ascended into heaven and promised that He would return. Since then, Israel has become a nation again (1948), prophecies have been fulfilled and it would seem that we are close to completing this cycle. The wise will prepare themselves for the return of the Lord for soon every eye will look upon Him.
