There Is a Time for Everything Under the Sun...

While all things are uncertain and subject to change, the Word of God remains unshaken and a solid source of comfort to those who receive it with an open heart. I woke up with this scripture in my heart, from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (the whole chapter is a great read that adds such profound perspective to the essence of life on earth). Verses 1 to 8 reads as follows:

1. To everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 
2. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 
3. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 
4. A time to cry and a time to laugh 😉 A time to grieve and a time to dance. 
5. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to refrain. 
6. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 
7. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 
8. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

I believe as human beings we must embrace this truth and stop fearing the various imminent seasons that are a reality for every individual. Instead, we should try to best prepare our bodies, souls (consisting of intellect and emotions) and spirits to adequately handle these inevitable peaks and troughs of life.

For example, I, like most people, would love it if everything was always going great in my life. But alas, we live in a fallen world where disease, death, unemployment, pain, hatred and all kinds of brokenness are a common reality. So, in the face of these unwelcome experiences, I have a choice and a responsibility to respond with grace, wisdom, empathy and honesty to each situation (whether it affects me personally or not).

Today, I was reminded of the power of the Word to silence every storm. In every hardship that I’ve faced, my hope, strength and deliverance has come from above, in one way or another. God has been that source of comfort and a sovereign redeemer. God uses people. We were never meant to do life alone; no man is an island. We need each other in good and bad times, but especially in the bad times.

Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word to someone, an act of kindness, a timely hug, a probe into the condition of someone’s soul, an experience shared, giving of your time and physical resources etc. You could be the difference between someone sleeping hungry or being provided for; someone deciding to take their own lives or finding comfort and hope for a better tomorrow.

Let’s embrace the times and seasons we find ourselves in, let’s activate our faith and sense of humanity, let’s make the best of every experience and become the best versions of ourselves in the process. Light, love and peace to all of you in these trying times. Be still and know that He is God 😊