ECCLESIASTES 3:1–8 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”
THEME OF THE DAY: OUR TIMES ARE IN HIS HANDS. Today’s scripture is quite repetitive. “A time” appears over and over and over. Actually, twenty-nine occurrences. What are we to learn from King Solomon’s emphasis on a time for everything? Two applications emerge for us that provide comfort and hope when life is painful and dark.
First, God controls our times which means every event, situation, circumstance, trial, and season of affliction come from Him. This truth will not remove the difficulties and pain in life, but it will allow us to live submissive to God’s sovereignty without complaining and murmuring. Why? He is our good God, wise God, loving God, and He is orchestrating all things according to His timing for our ultimate good. Rest in His sovereignty for our times are truly in His hands.
A second application is in the varied experiences of life; there are times of rejoicing and times of weeping. Go back and read today’s scripture again and notice the wide range of circumstances that define our lives. Many of them are painful while only a few of them bring lasting happiness. We need to remember this is how life is supposed to be in a sin-cursed world. It is hard, full of misery, and seasons of happiness are short and fleeting. Don’t be surprised or worse, complain because there are times of sorrow, death, and pain. If we live aware that life this side of heaven is full of difficult times, we are equipped to “weather the storm” so to speak, trusting the Lord as He works all these things out in our lives according to His timing.
For everything there is a season and that means nothing in life just happens. Our times are in God’s Hands, and they are hands of love fulfilling His wonderful purposes for and in us. Such practical truth brings honor to Himself and makes us fit vessels for the Master’s use in this world of time.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for the comfort I receive knowing all the events in my life are according to Your timing.”
QUOTE: “Not a single event in our lives is not all under the plan and control of God.”