A Time for Everything

Introduction

Good morning! Today, we continue our journey through Ecclesiastes in our series, Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning.

This book challenges us to grapple with life's complexities and uncertainties under the sun while calling us to look beyond the sun to the eternal God.

This morning, we come to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, one of the most poetic and beloved passages in Scripture. It’s often read at weddings, funerals, and other significant life events because it speaks to the rhythm and reality of life’s seasons.

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 NIV

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

The Rhythm of Life

The Teacher gives us 14 pairs of contrasting experiences, encompassing the full spectrum of human existence. Life is made up of seasons: beginnings and endings, joy and sorrow, building and tearing down.

Notice how the passage doesn’t pass judgment on these times. It doesn’t say one is better than the other. Both laughter and weeping, love and hate, war and peace are part of the human experience.

Key Point: Life is not static. It moves in seasons, and these rhythms are often outside our control.

This can be comforting when we face difficult times—we know they won’t last forever.

But it can also challenge us to embrace the present, as seasons of joy and blessing are fleeting as well.

God’s Sovereignty Over the Seasons

While we experience life’s seasons, the Teacher reminds us that these seasons are not random. They occur "under heaven," which points to God’s sovereign hand.

In the verses that follow this passage, the Teacher will explain that God "has made everything beautiful in its time" (v. 11). Even when we don’t understand why a particular season has come, we can trust that God is working out His purposes.

Think about the seasons of the year. Each has its own purpose. Spring brings growth, summer brings fruit, autumn brings harvest, and winter brings rest. Just as the natural world operates under God’s design, so do the seasons of our lives.

As I say that I want to make it clear that God has not caused all suffering, but he is still king over all or sovereign over all. War exist because of our fallenness. Death itself exist because of mankind’s failure.

Something that Jesus came to defeat as he defeated sin and death. Human Suffering exist because sin exist. (that’s another Sermon)

Trusting God in Every Season

So, how do we respond to life’s seasons? The answer lies in trusting God’s timing and purposes.

In Seasons of Joy

Rejoice! When life is good, it is a gift from God. Enjoy it without guilt, but don’t hold on too

In Seasons of Pain

Lean on God. Remember, He is sovereign and loving. Seasons of weeping and loss are not wasted—they shape us and teach us to depend on Him.

Illustration: Joseph in the Old Testament faced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before being exalted in Egypt. What others meant for evil, God used for good (Genesis 50:20).

In Every Season

In every season of life, it is important to remember that God is present and supportive.

Matthew 28:20 CSB

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

God promises to be with us always, even to the completion of this age, filling us with grace, courage, strength, compassion, and love.

This constant presence of God is particularly crucial during challenging times when we might be prone to forget His nearness.

The concept of different seasons in life is presented as part of God's ordained plan

Whether experiencing joyous moments like the birth of a child or difficult periods such as the loss of a loved one, God's peace and assurance are described as being available to help navigate these various seasons.

Living with Eternal Perspective

Ecclesiastes forces us to wrestle with life’s temporality. The seasons remind us that life under the sun is fleeting. But they also point us to the eternal.

Application:

Don’t get stuck in a season. Trust God to lead you through. Live faithfully in the present, knowing God is at work. Hold on to the hope that in Christ, the ultimate season of peace and restoration is coming.

Illustration: Jesus Himself experienced the ultimate seasons. He was born, lived, and ministered in perfect timing. He faced the season of the cross, the season of the tomb, and the season of resurrection. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He brings meaning and hope to all our seasons.

Next Steps

What season are you in right now?

Are you planting or uprooting, weeping or dancing, breaking down or building up?

Whatever it is, God is with you. He is sovereign over it.

As we close, let us commit to trusting God in every season of life. He has made everything beautiful in its time, and one day, we will see the full tapestry of His plan.

Questions for Further Reflection:

What season of life are you in, and how do you see God working in it?

How can you embrace the present season while trusting God for the future?

How does the promise of God’s sovereignty give you peace in difficult times?

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the seasons of life and for Your sovereignty over them all. Teach us to trust You in every moment, to find joy in the good times, and to cling to You in the hard times. Help us to live with the hope of eternity, knowing that You make all things beautiful in their time. Amen.

Bibliography

Women of Faith, A Time for Everything: Discovering the Beautiful Rhythms of Life (Nashville, TN: HarperChristian Resources, 2013).

BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC, Spring: A Season of Hope (90-Day Devotional) (BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC, 2018). Atinuke Olashore, On Bended Knees (Nashville, TN: Elm Hill, 2019).

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991.

Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003.

Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.

Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.

Questions for Further Reflection

What are some contrasting pairs of experiences mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8?

What does the passage say about the times of life we experience?

How does the concept of God’s sovereignty relate to the different seasons of life?

In what way does Ecclesiastes suggest that seasons of joy and sorrow are part of God’s plan?

How can we apply the idea of 'trusting God in every season' to our daily lives?

What practical steps can you take to embrace your current season of life while trusting in God?

What is the significance of the phrase 'under heaven' in relation to life’s seasons?

What examples does the sermon's illustration use to explain the journey through difficult seasons?

How can you find peace in difficult times by recalling God’s sovereignty as discussed in the sermon?

What does living with an eternal perspective mean in the context of the seasons of life?

YouTube

Title: A Time for Everything | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Sermon

Description: Life is full of seasons—times of joy and sorrow, building and breaking down, beginnings and endings. In this message from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we explore the profound truth that God is sovereign over every season of our lives.

Join us as we reflect on the rhythm of life, the beauty of God's timing, and how we can trust His purposes in every circumstance. Whether you're in a season of weeping or dancing, planting or uprooting, this message will encourage you to embrace the present and hold onto the eternal hope we have in Christ.

📖 Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Theme: Trusting God’s timing and purposes in every season of life.

✨ Watch this message to learn:

How life’s seasons teach us to depend on God. The significance of God’s sovereignty over the changes we face. Practical ways to find peace and purpose in every season of life.

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Sermon Notes

Sermon Notes: A Time for Everything

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Theme: Life is full of seasons, and God is sovereign over them all. Application: Trusting God’s timing and purposes in every season of life.

1. The Rhythm of Life (vv. 1-8)

Key Insight: Life is made up of contrasting seasons, each with its own purpose. 14 Contrasting Pairs: Birth & death, weeping & laughing, planting & uprooting, etc. Key Point:

Seasons are inevitable and often beyond our control. Both joyful and painful times are part of the human experience.

Reflection Question: How can recognizing the rhythm of life help you face your current season?

2. God’s Sovereignty Over the Seasons

"Under Heaven": Reminds us that life’s seasons occur under God’s control. Ecclesiastes 3:11: "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Illustration: Seasons of the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) reflect God’s order and purpose in creation.

Key Takeaway: Even when we don’t understand the “why,” we can trust the “Who” behind the seasons.

Reflection Question: Where do you see evidence of God’s hand in your current season?

3. Trusting God in Every Season

a) In Seasons of Joy

Celebrate and enjoy God’s blessings (James 1:17). Remember that joy is a gift, but seasons change.

b) In Seasons of Pain

Trust God’s faithfulness (Psalm 34:18). Believe that even difficult seasons are not wasted.

c) In Every Season

Ask: “What is God teaching me right now?” Trust that God’s purposes are always for our good (Romans 8:28).

Illustration: The story of Joseph (Genesis 50:20) shows how God can use even painful seasons for good.

4. Living with Eternal Perspective

Life’s Seasons are Temporary: Our hope is not in this life but in Christ. Jesus and the Ultimate Seasons: Through His death and resurrection, He brings redemption and purpose to all of life’s seasons.

Reflection Question: How does the promise of eternity shape how you live today?

Questions for Further Discussion:

What season of life are you currently in, and how is God working in it? How can you embrace your present season while trusting God for the future? How can you encourage someone else who is walking through a difficult season?

Closing Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for the seasons of life and for Your sovereign hand over them all. Teach us to trust You in every season, to find joy in the blessings, and to lean on You in the challenges. Help us to live with an eternal perspective and to glorify You in all we do. Amen."

Bible Study

Bible Study: A Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

This 3-4 day study will help you reflect on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, explore key themes and word studies, and prepare your heart for next week’s sermon. Each day includes Scripture, reflections, a word study, and a practical application.

Day 1: Understanding the Seasons of Life

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Key Reflection:

Life is full of contrasting experiences: joy and sorrow, beginnings and endings. God has ordained a time for everything, even the moments we find difficult. Reflect on your current season. Are you experiencing a time of weeping or a time of laughter? How is God at work in it?

Word Study:

Hebrew Word: ‘Et (עֵת) – "Time"

This word emphasizes appointed or set times rather than random occurrences. It highlights God's control over every moment. Reflect: How does knowing God has appointed your current season encourage you to trust Him?

Application: Write a prayer thanking God for the season you’re in, asking Him to reveal His purpose and give you peace.

Day 2: Trusting God’s Sovereignty

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:5-8

Key Reflection:

The Teacher lists more contrasting actions—casting away stones, gathering stones, embracing, refraining, etc. These emphasize that life involves not just events but decisions and actions. Consider: Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s timing or purpose?

Word Study:

Hebrew Word: Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) – "Peace" (v. 8, "a time for war, and a time for peace")

More than just the absence of conflict, shalom refers to wholeness, harmony, and flourishing under God’s design. Reflect: How does trusting God in all seasons lead to deeper shalom in your heart and life?

Application: Identify one area where you feel “at war” emotionally, relationally, or spiritually. Pray for God’s shalom in that area, surrendering it to His control.

Day 3: Finding Beauty in God’s Timing

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

Key Reflection:

Verse 11 reminds us that God "has made everything beautiful in its time," even if we cannot comprehend His work fully. This calls us to trust Him, even when life feels chaotic. Reflect: Think of a past season that was difficult but now, in hindsight, reveals God’s beauty and purpose.

Word Study:

Hebrew Word: Yapheh (יָפֶה) – "Beautiful" (v. 11)

This word implies something fitting, appropriate, or pleasant. God’s timing transforms even hard seasons into something fitting within His greater plan. Reflect: What does it mean for you to trust that God is making something “beautiful” out of your current situation?

Application: Write down one specific way you can rest in God’s timing this week, whether through waiting patiently, letting go of control, or trusting Him with an unanswered prayer.

Day 4: Preparing for Next Week

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

Key Reflection:

Jesus teaches us not to worry about tomorrow but to trust God’s provision. This ties into Ecclesiastes’ call to embrace the present while trusting God’s sovereignty. Reflect: How does trusting God with the seasons of life free you from anxiety about the future?

Word Study:

Greek Word: Merimnaō (μεριμνάω) – "Worry" or "Anxious" (Matthew 6:25)

This word refers to being divided or pulled in different directions, often by concerns that distract us from trusting God. Reflect: What worries distract you from embracing the present season God has placed you in?

Application: Spend time in prayer, releasing your worries to God. Write down one specific worry and surrender it to Him, trusting in His sovereignty over the seasons of your life.

Concluding Thought:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that life’s seasons are not random but are part of God’s sovereign plan. As you reflect this week, remember that God is working all things for His glory and your good. Prepare your heart for next week by seeking ways to trust Him more deeply in your current season and looking forward to how He will continue to work in the seasons to come.