Yesterday we began our study of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes. In this chapter Solomon deals with the cycles of time and events within our world. With this in mind I think of a statement that I often heard from a dear Christian lady, she would say, “Things don’t get better, they just get different.” Now that is something that requires some critical thinking.
The lesson that it seems we must learn is to not be altogether shaped by the seasons of life but rather to live well in these providential seasons. It seems to me that a clear mark of maturity is the ability to accept our circumstances and live well within them. I knew an old guy that used to often come by the house and most often he seemed rather glum. I’d ask in a cheerful way, “How’s it goin’?” His normal response was, “I’m having a bad day”.
These “bad days” I have found are mostly of our choosing. They are a result of our unwillingness to live well within our God-given, providential circumstances. We are so adept at imagining a better life, better circumstances and by that grumbling about our present circumstances.
Solomon’s council to us will be that we ought to live well within the providential seasons that God has given us and to enjoy both the challenges and opportunities they hold.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
This verse alone says it quite clearly, God is moving this world along on a prescribed course of seasons that are accomplishing His purposes. It is ours to live out these seasons in faith, courage and confidence. This is good council for us as we anticipate the coming elections and the implications they hold for our personal lives.
