Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
…and a time to heal… (Ecclesiastes 3:3b)
It is the middle of September and the nights are staying cool even as the days remain warm. There is expectation of the fall season approaching and after the heat of summer, I am looking forward to wearing a sweater again. I totally enjoy the changes in our weather in the high desert where we live. Each season has its pluses and minuses. For instance, with fall beckoning at the door, cooler days, leaves changing color, the approaching holiday season, and the warm spices that go along with pumpkin and maple are anticipated. I can almost smell the cinnamon and apples bubbling in a latticed pie! But, the change in temperature also brings piles of leaves that need attention, often strong winds, and a rise in colds and flu symptoms. And if you have empty fields around, the critters who are trying to find concealed nesting areas for the coming cold, have to be managed or you will find a family of rodents in the attic.
The Bible says there is an appointed time for everything. What happens, when it happens, where it happens and why it happens are all under God’s control for His purpose in fulfilling His plan. As I migrated to this section of scripture in Ecclesiastes, my eyes focused on a particular phrase in verse three. It reminded me there is an appointed time for all things including healing. In the context, this is healing for the nation of Israel. But, looking at the literal words, it is a time of physical healing or mending. As I am ‘out of commission’ physically at this time, I am learning to appreciate once again what it means to be still. Stillness is not idleness or laziness. It is remaining calm, cessation of action, trusting in God all the more in the season you find yourself. God has intended ‘seasons’ for each of us and allots to each of us the gift of time. What do we do with the season and time we are in? Do we fight against it or do we grow through it? Do we make use of what God gives us or give up because of our inability? Change, or seasons are inevitable and help us to understand that our life on earth holds no permanence, it is constantly changing – heaven is our lasting, permanent destination.
We can hold our breath and wait for some seasons to pass yet we are then missing out on the blessings contained in calamity and adversity. Matthew Henry’s Commentary says that ‘the clearest sky will be clouded, and the most clouded sky will clear up’. My desire is to grasp each season as an opportunity to do every good work ordained to me for God. The season of healing may be spiritual or physical. God will provide in either case. I love the truth in a familiar hymn –
“Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside. Great is Thy Faithfulness …”
Lamentations 3:21-23 says, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. [They] are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness”.
Time and seasons belong to God. In all things He is faithful. Let’s strive to be faithful in every season of our lives and in the time He gives.
