Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
Change is hard, and new seasons in life are not always welcome. The third chapter of Ecclesiastes beautifully addresses the seasons of life. It is eloquent in its reading. The first eight verses have a cadence or rhythm that belie its full meaning. I’d rather look at the healing, dancing, and laughter in these verses than address the weeping, rending, and war. And yet life is both, isn’t it? The yin and the yang, the good and the bad.
How then do we address the need to change when it smacks us in the face? How do we find the courage to let go and forge a new path? How do we recognize when it’s time to move on?
First of all, I think it’s important to be thankful for seasons that involve a choice. Some seasons are thrust upon us. Nobody invites illness or a job calamity into their lives! So, choices are privileges – and there are times we simply don’t get to choose our path. It is chosen for us. Thank you, Lord, for the times we have the blessing of a choice!
Also, I truly believe that God’s Holy Spirit can guide us when we are faced with a “season-changing” decision. Prayer, wise counsel, and the clarity of solitude can be so very helpful when we are faced with decisions. If you are finding yourself at a crossroads, wait for the guiding voice of God. It will be there in the silence, in His word, and with the support of valued friends and mentors.
Is God leading you into a new season? Hold your breath and jump!
Blessings,
Diana
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