The Rhythm of Life: Ecclesiastes 3

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon takes time to write out his advice for the next generation. In the third chapter, he writes a vision of a simple, yet remarkably meaningful life. Listen to his counsel from chapter 3 -I’m sure theses verses will sound very familiar.

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--

A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear 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 throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
People spend their entire lives either looking forward to the future or dreading the future. This famous section of scripture is a poem that enters the natural rhythm of life. Obviously life will provide times of happiness, times of sorrow, times of toil and perseverance, and times of rest. The truth that underlies all of these statements is that God is in control: He’s the author of life, He directs the seasons, He establishes kingdoms and destroys powers, and everything that occurs happens in His time. Through every event and season of life you can enjoy peace because God is in control. In fact, Solomon is going to remind his readers to enjoy the things of God. You can find joy by knowing the security that God offers to those who seek after His purposes for life.
As you prepare for our time together this Sunday read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 and pray that God provides clarity from His word and that His people are encouraged to pursue joy through Christ.

Pastor Billy