Ecclesiastes 3-4

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (3:1). The Teacher knew that humans struggle with time; we want to “plant” when it may be time to “uproot” (3:2); we want to achieve our goals on our own schedule. Yet the world thwarts our plans; sickness, oppression (4:1), loneliness (4:8), and our sins get in the way. We are mortal like animals (3:18), yet God has put “eternity” in our hearts; we hope for much more (3:11).

“He has made everything beautiful in its time” (3:11). We can accept what comes today because God Himself has entered our world. He understands our struggles, bears our pain, and He has power to redeem and make things beautiful.