Today is the official start of astronomical summer. It is the Summer Solstice, marking the longest day of the year. Meteorologists, however, declare June 1 as the first day of summer. They divide the calendar into four periods based on temperature patterns rather than where the sun is in the sky. They developed this system to make it easier to track weather and climate trends, compile statistics, and align with the civil calendar.
But God established the seasons at the very beginning of creation. Genesis 1:14: “Then God said, ‘Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years.’” [NLT]
As I thought about the discrepancy between astronomical and meteorological seasons, I realized that this is the way with much of life. God sets the standard – man(kind) changes those standards to make them easier for him.
I don’t blame meteorologists for finding an easier way to track weather patterns. That probably has little effect on the hearts of man(kind). I do mind when we change God’s Holy Standards to seek to legitimize our sinful nature and ways. That has a profound effect on the hearts of people.
As the people of God, if we want to see our nation truly flourish in all that is right and good, we must “turn from [our] wicked ways.” [2Chronicles 7:14]
