Seasons of Rest

2 Samuel 11:1 KJV

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

The commentaries all say that the time the kings went forth to battle was the spring, when

• The grasses were growing to feed the animals
• The ground was dry for the soldier's marches and
• The food was more plentiful to meet the needs

Times have changed in battle strategy. Technological advances unfortunately allow battles to be waged year round contributing to post traumatic stress and other serious problems among military personnel. But I see this natural break in battle as a grace of God. Even with today's advances I am thankful that there are some seasons of rest from combat. Those breaks in conflict that have allowed us as a nation to ratchet down a bit before the next season of battle has come.

In the spiritual world we also face combat. Our enemy is very real and very present. But I am thankful for those seasons of rest from the conflict and times of rejoicing as believers. How gracious God has been to design into our lives, not abstinence from trials, for they serve to build and strengthen us, but seasons of refreshing to restore and revive us.