Introduction
Ecclesiastes 3:1–15: The book of Ecclesiastes represents a search for meaning in life and contains the thoughts of “the Philosopher” (sometimes also called the Teacher or Preacher) usually identified as King Solomon, who reflected deeply on how short and contradictory human life is. For the next four days we will be reading excepts from Ecclesiastes. Today’s reading affirms that God has power over everything and is in control.
Today’s Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:14 GNT
I know that everything God does will last forever. You can’t add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him.
Read
3 Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.
2 He sets the time for birth and the time for death,
the time for planting and the time for pulling up,
3 the time for killing and the time for healing,
the time for tearing down and the time for building.
4 He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy,
the time for mourning and the time for dancing,
5 the time for making love and the time for not making love,
the time for kissing and the time for not kissing.
6 He sets the time for finding and the time for losing,
the time for saving and the time for throwing away,
7 the time for tearing and the time for mending,
the time for silence and the time for talk.
8 He sets the time for love and the time for hate,
the time for war and the time for peace.
9 What do we gain from all our work? 10 I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us. 11 He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does. 12 So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. 13 All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God’s gift.
14 I know that everything God does will last forever. You can’t add anything to it or take anything away from it. And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of him. 15 Whatever happens or can happen has already happened before. God makes the same thing happen again and again.
Reflect
The writer states that everything on earth has its own appointed time and season, so God ultimately controls everything. How does such a philosophy affect the way you live your life? From the list of “times” the writer offers—like tearing down and building up—have you been neglecting any? Is it time to move on to another? What do you make of the conclusion in verses 12–13? Are you enjoying the life God has given you? What are your thoughts about what you read today?
Pray
I worship and praise you, most holy and awesome God. You are a righteous judge, and everything that happens in this world happens at the time you choose. Help me hear your call to enjoy the gifts you give. I trust in your steadfast mercy and love. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Ecclesiastes 5:1–20: The Philosopher cautions against making rash promises.
