Seasons of life

 Seasons of life

"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.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The scene described in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is a powerful and poetic reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the various seasons we all experience.

Pete Seeger wrote a song in late fifties and released it under the title "Turn! Turn! Turn! The Byrds' version was an international hit in 1965. The lyrics are based on the book of Ecclesiastes in the King James Version (1611) of the Bible.

We are reminded of the ever-changing nature of life. The verses speak to the appointed times and seasons that each of us will go through in our journey on Earth. There is a time for everything – a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to weep and a time to laugh. These words offer us comfort in knowing that the highs and lows we experience are part of a greater plan. They remind us that the challenges we face will pass, and joy will come after sorrow. 

Reflect on these verses and consider the seasons of your own life. Have you experienced times of joy and times of sorrow? How have these moments shaped you into the person you are today? Your circumstances will change just as the seasons change. Embrace each season with grace and trust in the timing of God’s plan for your life. Let these verses guide you in finding peace and purpose in the midst of life’s ups and downs.

Thank You, Father, that You know the end from the beginning and that everything under heaven is within Your authority. Thank You, that You are in control of all that is happening in my own individual life and the wider world in general. May I trust You through all the circumstances of life and as I seek Your face in prayer and praise, may I learn more and more to pray, "Thy will be done in my life and throughout the world." In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.