Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verses 1-8
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 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.
These verses always help me to realise that although life can be hard sometimes – situations change. It is not for us to know when everything is going to happen, and we have to be patient in our lives. Our focus should be now on this “season” and using the time wisely.
Through the different seasons we will have happiness and suffering but we will come through this by focussing on what is important and keeping our faith. We learn through hard times and wisdom is knowing sometimes that we have to adapt to circumstances but still try to keep our faith and integrity. These verses always give me comfort and a sense of perspective. There is a time for everything and whatever season of life we are in, it will pass onto another eventually.
I look forward to the time of the Lord’s return and his Kingdom on Earth.
Sister Judith