Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Time is a precious commodity. Once we spend it, we can’t get it back. This passage suggests there is a right and wrong time for doing things. Was Solomon’s wisdom causing him to overthink again? For the most part, I think he’s “spot on.” The problem is, we may not always know what the “right” time is for doing these things.
Thankfully, God’s timing is always perfect. I’ve heard that my whole life, and I’m sure I’ve said it dozens of times to help someone patiently wait. As we read through Solomon’s list of time sensitive aspects of life, I found myself nodding my head in agreement, remembering those times in my own life.
This is one of those passages that would be fun to discuss in a small group. I’m sure everyone would have their take on the “right” time for these activities under heaven. For instance, when is the right time to kill? I suppose when acting in self-defense, if it’s killing another human, or when hungry, if facing a bird of prey or small mammal.
We also need to remember that while it might be our time to laugh now, there are plenty of others who are still crying. We need to be mindful of that and take care not to barge into someone else’s time of rest or renewal. This brings to mind a time years ago when we were going through a building project at one of the churches David served. Some of the people were truly distraught over demolishing a building that held such dear memories. Others, who did not have such ties, were dancing for joy because our facility would soon be more accommodating and useful. We needed to bring comfort to both.
One or more of these examples may be speaking loudly to you and your situation today. What season of life are you living in?
Don’t rush past these nuggets of wisdom. I thought I could skip over the one about the stones. But really, I need to ask God what are the “stones” I need to remove from my life so I’ll be ready for him to build into me? When we prepare a garden or field for planting, we start by removing rocks and debris. I’ve got “gunk” like that in my life, too.
For us to bloom, we need to remember what season we are in. We need to embrace it! Solomon was doing a lot of soul searching as he wrote Ecclesiastes. I think we can do likewise and reflect on how God wants us to respond to his word. What will your “take action” move be today based on this passage?
Let’s pray. Father, thank you that your timing is always perfect. Forgive me for my anxiousness to get on to the next thing without fully embracing the moment. I do need to remove the stones of self-doubt and worry so that I can fully bloom for you. I delight in you now and look forward to how you are going to transform me into the person you desire for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
