Bible Society of South Africa

Seasons and rhythms - 15 May 2023

By Xanthe Hancox

Bible text(s)

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

1Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.

2He sets the time for birth and the time for death,

the time for planting and the time for pulling up,

3the time for killing and the time for healing,

the time for tearing down and the time for building.

4He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy,

the time for mourning and the time for dancing,

5the time for making love and the time for not making love,

the time for kissing and the time for not kissing.

6He sets the time for finding and the time for losing,

the time for saving and the time for throwing away,

7the time for tearing and the time for mending,

the time for silence and the time for talk.

8He sets the time for love and the time for hate,

the time for war and the time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8GNBOpen in Bible reader

Life is filled with seasons and rhythms. We experience joy and sorrow, growth and loss, beginnings and endings. Sometimes, it can be challenging to accept and navigate these different seasons. We may question why certain events happen or struggle to understand the timing of things in our lives.

Yet, in Ecclesiastes 3, one of my favourite passages in the Bible, we are reminded that every season and every activity has its appointed time. There is a divine order and purpose to the different seasons we encounter. We may not always understand or appreciate them in the moment, but God is sovereign over every season of our lives.

In times of grief, God offers comfort and healing. In times of struggle, he gives us strength and guidance. In times of joy, he rejoices with us. And in times of uncertainty, he grants us wisdom and peace.

Let us learn to embrace the seasons of life, trusting that God is at work in each one. As we journey through different experiences, let us seek his wisdom to discern the appropriate response and action for each season. May we find comfort and assurance in knowing that God holds the timing and purpose of our lives in his hands.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Help us to embrace the different seasons of our lives, knowing that you have a purpose and plan for each one. May we trust your perfect timing and find peace in your presence through it all. Amen

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