I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13

I love living in the Bay Area because we have, in my opinion, some of the best weather in the world. It doesn’t get too cold in the winter, and it doesn’t get too hot in the summer. Yet, we do have four distinct seasons, and each season has its benefit.

When the Summer comes, I can pull out my linen pants and shirts again. I love the light and airy feel of them; so comfortable. When I’m wearing them I feel relaxed, laid back, like there’s not a care in the world.

When Fall rolls around, I get to pull out my sweaters and light-weight coats. I especially love the light-weight coats during this season, because it’s the only time of year that I have the opportunity to wear them. They’re not warm enough for the cold of winter, and too warm for the breezes of Spring. But they’re perfect for the Fall!

My heavy coats come out when the Winter rolls around. I especially enjoy wearing my heavy trench coat on a rainy Sunday morning. It just feels right!

No season is a bad season; just an opportunity to wear a different set of garments. That’s the perspective that we need to have about life in general! We should not fear the dark seasons of our lives because they bring us the opportunity to turn on the lights. And we should not fear the cold seasons of our lives because they bring us the opportunity to light a fire and to put on a new set of garments.

This is what Paul meant when he said that he could do all things through the strength of Christ. I’ve got a set of garments for any set of weather conditions!

But we’ve got to learn to clothe ourselves for the season. If you go out in shorts and a tank top in the midst of heavy rain, you’re going to catch a cold! Believers get spiritually sick not because they do not possess the garments they needed to weather a particular season, but because they fail to clothe themselves with those garments.

Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. – Isaiah 52:1

This morning as you rise up from your bed of sleep, clothe yourself with the strength of the Lord in a manner that is appropriate to whatever season you may find yourself in today. And once you’re clothed, don’t fear the elements. Just relish the fact that when you’re wearing your garments of splendor, you look good in any weather!

Be encouraged!