For every season

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Listen to today's devotional

One step forward. Two steps back. That's often more than a feeling. For many people, that's a lived reality. Why is it that just as soon as things start looking up, here comes another situation to bring us down? We finally get comfortable and find a sense of tranquility. But here comes another storm. Another burden to carry. Another blow to our peace. We know scripture affirms God's steadfast love. We also know it never pretends to remove us from the world's pain. What scripture does is anchor our faith in something much deeper than unrealistic longings. God's love doesn't disappear when trouble comes. Remember those great words from Psalm 23. The shepherd learned God would walk with him through the valley, not around it. So, as sure as you'll face difficulty, you'll also have God's presence with you. What I mean to offer to you today is the reminder of God's steadfastness. And that turning to the love of God doesn't always make life easy. But it does keep our eyes on what is eternal. The poetic force of Ecclesiastes 3 impresses us; there's a lot to take in those opening verses. This passage recognizes the steps forward and backward of life. How many times have we heard today's passage at graduations and as part of commencement speeches? It's power, though, goes beyond pomp and circumstance. That's the truth behind each pair of opposites. There's life and death, growth and loss, joy and pain. Sometimes, we have a hand in determining what will happen. We can further what pleases us and what seems most desirable. Often, though, we do not. There is a rhythm to life that we can't always control. But even when can't, we do choose how we will live. Seeking God's wisdom, we decide to act, to endure, to build or even to let go. Stay blessed...john