Oh, September: You usher in so many things. Many of the students around the world started school as you began. The days grow shorter and temperatures decrease. Cool nights with warm days remind us of summer and what’s to come this fall. Outdoor pools closed upon your arrival. Parks are now more empty than full. Trees are beginning to show new colors just prior to finding new residence on the ground. Fall is knocking on our door.

This new season we are entering can be very exciting. It represents a change from the hot days of summer. We get to see even more of God’s beauty, shown all around us, as nature begins to transform before our eyes. But the new season can also be overwhelming. If you have children attending school, it means new levels of structure and commitment. Or perhaps you’d love to be a student again, just to have a season change. You have waited so long that you’ve wondered if each new season just marks another unanswered prayer.

“(God) never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. BUT THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28b-31

Life has seasons. There are ups and downs in everyone’s lives. No one is immune from situations that could knock them around, perhaps even causing faith to be shaken. As Christians, we have the privilege of relationship with God. Because of that relationship, no matter our situation, all we have to do is keep our eyes focused on God. We take our cues from him. We seek to know him more. And by doing so, he guides us not only in the large decisions of life, but the everyday goings on.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Philippians 4:12-13

To live a successful life in any season, we need only one thing: to find our help in Christ. Our feeble strength cannot handle it. Our own wisdom is simply not enough. But when we get our strength and wisdom from God, He is lifted high, and we are set on a straight and smooth path.

Where are you today? You may be at the highest of highs or lowest of lows. I encourage you to find your help in Christ. There are difficult moments in life that can trap us in our current situations, making us feel like nothing will ever change.

Here are some practical steps we can take to continually fix ourselves on God:

  1. Turn on the worship music.
  2. Study the truth in the Bible.
  3. Keep praying.
  4. Talk with solid Christian mentors so they can help you along the way.

No, this is not rocket science; It is faith that needs to be nourished. At times, we make Christianity beyond complex. Go back to the basics and you will find God right where you are.