Daily devotional · May 22
A Time for Everything
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to count as lost, a time to keep and a time to discard, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
The Teacher gives a famous poem of opposites: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to keep silence and a time to speak. It can sound like resignation, but it is closer to wisdom. Life has seasons, and much of our stress comes from wishing we were in a different one. Trying to dance while grieving, or to grieve while celebrating, leaves us out of step. The wise person asks what season this is and responds honestly. It also comforts us to know that God stands over all the seasons. If you are in a season of loss, be gentle with yourself and lean on others, including a pastor or counselor. Today, name your season and one action that fits it.
Prayer
Lord of all seasons, help me live honestly in this one. Hold me when I grieve and join me when I celebrate.