Ecclesiastes 3-4 Normally Sad Times Could Be GLAD Times

Reading through all of those “there is a time to …” comparisons and contrasts, God seemed to be showing me that these don’t have to be seen as contrasts between good things and undesirable things.  There are indeed times when what we might at first blush consider undesirable would instead, because of present circumstances, be considered the right and appropriate and desirable thing to happen.  For instance, “There is a time to plant and a time to pull up plants .. a time to destroy and a time to build.” – The natural end to a crop season is the harvest, and pulling beets or potatoes or carrots out of the ground is a time of celebration of that harvest.  Yet often we view these verses as the scene outside my window – a plant didn’t survive the drought despite watering, and it lies dead in the flower bed.  While I might “mourn” the death of the plant, pulling it up will lead me to planting another in its place, expecting rain and future growth.

“ …. A time to keep things and a time to throw things away” reminds me of the flood we had 4 years ago.  What I might have otherwise cherished or simply kept just in case, I was ready to simply throw away once it had been soaked by the muddy water.  But we could also look at these verses as representing a time of prosperity and even charity as we pull out our clothing or household goods we never use and donate them to others in need, as many were during that flood.

Perspective seems to be the key here.  Solomon’s perspective had been one of someone under the sun – a worldly view.  Ours is to be the perspective of one under the SON, seeing things from His point of view, including God’s provision for us and for others through us, even in the toughest times.

Father, thank You for revealing to me that I need to watch for Your provision for me even during the toughest times.  Give me strength to endure them and a spirit of hope.  What would I do without You?

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford