“For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
As summer turns to autumn, the trees change from green to red and gold, then dry and drop, crunching underfoot. The nights feel cool, with crisp air, and thoughts change from the heat of summer to the pending arrival of the winter season.
“A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” Ecclesiastes 3:2 NLT
Autumn is the best time to reflect on the previous year and anticipate the next one. The fall season signals the beginning of studies, activities, and routines.
“A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.” Ecclesiastes 3:3 NLT
Like seasons changing, life changes, too. What seems like an ending can be a beginning. Change can be a release from something complex into something beautiful. The butterfly is an excellent example of something beautiful that can come from something totally falling apart.
“A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:4 NLT
When our situations change, we may grieve, losing what is comfortable, known, and understood. But we can also rejoice in the new, vibrant, and exciting challenges we face.
“A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.” Ecclesiastes 3:5 NLT
The key to embracing change is realizing God is with us every step of the way. He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.
“A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.” Ecclesiastes 3:6 NLT
Change is inevitable. Nothing stays the same. Sometimes, change is hard, but God is faithful to be with us in all of our phases of life, both the good times and the difficult ones. We can embrace life changes and allow God to guide and teach us as we surrender, or we can become bitter and angry at the changes in our circumstances.
“A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7 NLT
In nature, no growth equals death or stagnation. The natural world is either growing or dying, but each change produces something new. We will always see life and growth when we allow God into our changes.
“A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:8 NLT
Let us enter this new season with joy and confidence, seeking guidance from God as we embrace the challenges in our lives, knowing God is with us on the journey. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
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(Originally published on Girl Read Your Bible Study FB Page October 4, 2024)
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