To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.    Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

In verses 1-8 of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, Solomon talks about how God is in control and everything happens under His control as God works in each of our lives while His will is done. We must also accept that God’s timing is perfect. While we may not like to wait, the Bible tells us we must trust in God’s perfect timing. Psalm 27:14 tells us to wait on the Lord. Galatians 6:9 tells us not to grow weary doing good for we will reap in due time if we do not faint.

In verse two it mentions birth and death. These two things are under God’s control. Things like abortion and birth control may give the human being the impression that they can control births, but Solomon said otherwise. We may try to hasten our death, but we can’t avoid death. God is in control. He controls birth and death even though many of us believe we can control that ourselves.

And while farmers may work their garden, it is God through nature who controls the harvest.

The secret to a successful life is to learn to be in God’s will. Learn His commands and obey them. Trust in Him.

God appoints times of sorrow and times of happiness as mentioned in verse 4.

When he speaks of a time to cast away stones or gather stones. Stones could be used to build a house, or they could be used to kill someone. Warren Weirsbe said if your enemy fills your land with rocks don’t throw them back just build something out of them.

In verse 7 Solomon speaks of a time to tear and a time to sew. The Jewish people of that day tore their garments to indicate mourning and sorrow. God expects us to mourn and be sorrowful in times when we are experiencing emotional hurt and pain. But we are expected to mend at the proper time as well. This doesn’t mean there is a time frame, but it means that we should accept the comfort we receive from God and eventually be able to pick up the pieces and move on. Jesus said in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1-4 that God comforts us so we can comfort others.

And then in verse 7 Solomon says there is a time to speak and a time to remain silent. It’s important that we trust in God to show us what is appropriate. James 3:1-12 talks about the importance of bridling the tongue or taming the tongue. And Jesus in Matthew 12:36 Jesus warned that we will give account of every idle word on the day of judgment.

And in verse 8 Solomon talked about a time to love and a time to hate. As Christians should we ever hate? The answer to this is yes. We should hate what God hates. God hates sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 speaks of seven things God hates. They are pride, lying, murder or unjust killing, a heart that plots evil, eagerness to sin, giving false testimony, creating division, envy or discord among people. We are to love all people, but we can hate what they do. We must love the sinner but hate the sin.

As Christians we must trust in Romans 8:28 and know that even when we suffer bad things that God is working it out for our good and His glory.

We know that all our days won’t be filled with happy times. We know that there will be times that we are sorrowful and we mourn. We also know, however, that when we surrender to God, He walks with us through these times. We can count on Him to bring us comfort and to heal our broken hearts.

Trust in God and surrender to His will. Trust in His timing even if it runs slower or faster than your own. Trust in Him. Trust in His timing. God’s got this.

Have a great day!