The author of Ecclesiastes teaches us that we will experience different seasons in life. This truth is illustrated by fourteen pairs of contrasting activities that serve as examples of the various seasons of life.  He introduces this section by indicating that God has an appointed time for everything in our lives,

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

We live in a world that has changing seasons that are orchestrated by God.  You will experience times in your life that you want to continue, but they will end. Conversely, you will experience a difficult time and it seems that there is no end in sight, but you can rest in the knowledge that this too shall pass. What comfort do you find in knowing that there is an appointed time for everything? Solomon’s father, David, realized this truth as he was facing a difficult season,

My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. (Psalm 31:15)

Do you realize that your times are in His hand? Everything has an appointed time. God has both a determined point of time when it happens, and a determined period of time for its duration. When you know that you will encounter different seasons of life, then it enables you to have a realistic view of life. You realize that change is one of the great constants in the universe. We are designed to live in rhythm.

There are times for example, when it is appropriate and necessary to mourn and there are also times when it is appropriate and necessary to laugh. Are you experiencing both seasons? We have a tendency to remain at extremes. Many people complain of overwork. Often our problem is not that we work too hard – our problem is that we don’t take time to rest. You will encounter seasons that are beyond your control, but you can control your response to them. Just because the leaves are falling off the tree, it doesn’t mean that the tree is dead. You may be going through a difficult time, but remember that God knows what He’s doing.

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

The word “appropriate” in this verse is often translated as beautiful. God can use even the difficult seasons of life to help us to grow, Your emotions do not need to be subject to the changing seasons of life. Joy is not dependent upon a season, it is a way of life.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (John 15:11)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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