Fran was bombarded with trouble all week long, none of it of her own doing. And by the end of the week she felt like the world was coming in around her and crushing her. She wanted to run away.

 

I think all of us can relate to Fran’s feelings. Besides our personal troubles, there’s the trouble that is constantly blaring at us on the television—all over the world. I remember the Queen of England a few years ago talking about her “annus horriblis” - the horrible year - and you just can’t help wondering why so many sad things happen at once. I’ve poured out some of those “why” questions to the Lord, as Fran did, as we all have done.

 

I have to tell you I haven’t come up with any quick fixes or easy answers. And there are times when the heaviness seems to sap the joy out of life. But I am continually reminded that life simply has cycles and seasons. Solomon told us that in Ecclesiastes 3:4 when he said “There is a time for everything. . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. . .”.

 

And Job taught us all how to deal with life when it seems the book is being thrown at us. When his wife suggested that he curse God and die, he replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10).

 

So, I just wanted to remind us all, as we looked at Fran’s horrible week, that we must by faith accept the seasons of our lives—the times of weeping as well as the times of laughing. Remember that seasons don’t last forever. Joy comes in the morning, so hang on, dear friends. Don’t give in to that runaway feeling. Remember that God never takes his eyes off of you, he will never forsake you, and he bears your pain and troubles with you.

 

And though all else may crumble around you, you can be sure every morning when you wake up that one thing has not changed and never will change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, so in the midst of your “annus horriblis,” cling to the surety of our ever present, ever loving Lord.