Perhaps the most famous words ever written about seasons are the following from the book of Ecclesiastes, in chapter 3:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
The book, as a whole, has a simple message, which the writer gives us at the end:
“Now here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
But in the arc of the story, and the arc of all scripture, history and wisdom, we see an important invitation that clarifies this statement. That invitation is from God himself, to allow his love to cover us – the saving, sacrificial love of Jesus which is our ultimate hope – the enlivening, vibrant love of the Spirit within us which fuels our days and the warm, strong love of the father which sustains and protects us.
Whatever season you’re in – it’s ok. God’s got you. Embrace it, stay close to him, and he will see you through.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Joel
Joel Searby
