Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

This has been a favorite Biblical passage of mine for quite some time. Some of these “times” are thrust upon us, as the death of a loved one. Other times we may initiate, for example, when to plant. Of course, many farmers regard the Farmers’ Almanac for that information and would not plant before the first of May, when danger of frost is usually over. Other situations dictate the kind of response needed or expected. When someone is mourning, it is not a good idea to start dancing.

In the film, Steel Magnolias, M’Lynn is distraught at the cemetery following the graveside service for her daughter, Shelby. M’Lynn is surrounded by her friends Claree, Ouiser, Truvy and Annelle. Claree recognizes how dangerous this time is and she pushes typically disagreeable Ouiser to M’Lynn, after she had said, “I just want to hit someone and hit them hard till they feel as awful as I do.” Claree tells M’Lynn to go on and hit Ouiser … Knock her lights out …You know everybody in Chinquapin Parish would like to take a shot at Ouiser. M’Lynn starts laughing and the others do too, except for Ouiser, who has stormed off. Claree was right, M’Lynn needed to laugh when her grief was so great, she wanted to die too.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing, in our life eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed, until its season, something God alone can see.

Prayer

Gracious God, we give You thanks for the seasons of life. In good times and bad times, You are always with us. You will not fail us or forsake us. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.