A Time for Everything
I'm facing the beach. The sun has just slipped above the sea. I sip coffee and my thoughts roll, roll, roll, like the waves.
Unbidden, concerns come to the surface.
What about…?
When will I…?
How can I…?
I could fill in those blanks a thousand different ways.
And yet this morning one passage from Ecclesiastes seems to be the answer to all of them…
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity 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 tear 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 scatter stones and a time to gather, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
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.
Each sentence flows over my soul. And I realize, if all the waves came in at once it would be too much for us. We'd drown in our desires.
And so we wait, watch the shore, trust the hand and heart of the One who brings us what is best in its time.
Lord, we surrender to your ways.
We yield to your rythm.
We who hurry choose to let
each answer in our lives have its moment.
Give us your time for everything…
and help us trust you for all things.
Amen.
-----------------------------
Speaking of a time for everything, almost all of us feel like we could use more time with our friends--for sharing, laughter, fellowship and encouragement. That's why (in)courage has a very exciting announcement today! We're bringing the beach house to you. Stop by (in)RL to find out more!
---------------------------
* I'm away with the (in)courage writers in Hilton Head and this post from the archives came to mind again. I'm taking a little time for renewal--looking forward to being back with you soon!
Would you like to leave a comment or Subscribe by Email?
Holley Gerth
Reader Comments (21)
Such a good post....this time for/season business has been on my heart. Thank you.
God speaks to us through His word in accordance to where we are & what we need in our life at the time. I've read these verses before, but for today, they have new meaning & are just exactly what I needed. Thank you
i've been wondering why I'm going through ANOTHER time when God seems slow and sparse in answering prayers. And so this is very timely and very soothing. Thank you, Sweet Savior and Holley.
As I sit across a couple of oceans with many rolling waves between us - in Adelaide Australia - I marvel at the fact that no matter where we are - physically, emotionally or spiritually - God relates to us and we can relate to each other. I totally agree - one wave is probably all each of us can deal with at a time - I've always been a little nervous about the power of the sea - so tend to stay in shallow waters - but reading Holley's words - I have been reminded that God will be with me - even if I caught ina rip - as it is all in His divine plan and perfect timing. He will be there to bring me to the surface and carry me to shore if I am drowning. Hoping all my sisters in Christ will soon have the opportunity to watch a glorious sunrise or sunset at the beach!!!
Love it! Minister's to my heart and things we've been going through. It's been a season...one thing after another! But you are so right...not all at once! Praise Him that we can catch our breath and get a tighter grip on Him between the waves...
Dear Holley,
This was good for me to read and reflect on, too. I have trouble being patient. My husband (who passed away) always used to tell me that my motto must be "I want it all, I want it now, and I want it delivered." That was pretty close to being accurate. When he passed away (will be three years later this fall), I had to learn to trust God and His timing. I wanted to get through my grief journey NOW. But, of course, there were no shortcuts. And I needed to learn to just surrender what I wanted for what He wanted and to trust. It has been an amazing journey and I've learned so much -- including to "trust God for all things." He is sooo faithful!
But, reminders -- such as your post today -- do me a world of good! Thank you, sweet Holley!
Love and blessings,
If only we would accept sooner that His timing is always perfect,we would save ourselves from so much anxiety & often times worry...The only time we all agree on in the whole wide world is the timing of the clock, & even then the time; at times ;is very different from ours time depending on where we live in this beautiful world.[[HIS BEAUTIFUL CREATION,HIS MASTERPIECE].
The hardest thing is waiting,but when we do wait, as HIS word says,"wait on the LORD & HE shall strength your heart.Yes, when we do surrender & learn the art of waiting on HIM, we experience a waiting so sweet,we are reminded that HE cares for the little sparrow, so how much more that HE cares for us.....Love in HIS name to all HIS children.[little sparrows] Barbara.
Thanks Holly. I pray the LORD will continue blessing & using you.
HE who began a good workin you will bring it to completion.
Barbara
So timely for me - the Holy Spirit knows us so well. I just returned home from the beach to resume a busy schedule. This helps me reflect on what I know is true in my life. He blesses us through your writings as we yield to His ways and His Word. Thanks again and continued blessings Holley!
Thanks Holly!! Enjoy your getaway!!! Your thoughts alway hit the mark!!