We often think of our lives in periods of time. There were elementary, middle school, and high school years. We think of our college years and when we first started our careers. We think of life in terms of places we have lived, before and after marriage, before and after kids. There are high times—the birth of children and grandchildren. There are low times—struggling through health issues, recovering from a divorce, or grieving those we have lost. And there is the process of aging. One person nearing his ninety-fifth birthday told me, “Getting old is not for sissies.” Life is a series of seasons.

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 cast 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 cast 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.

I believe there are four applications to draw from this passage regarding the seasons of life.

1. Priorities. Each season of life demands that we establish priorities. For example, when our children are young, they need things from us, something we can’t delegate to others. Those needs won’t last forever, but we have to deliver in that particular stage of life. Of course, priorities mean we must make good choices. 

2. Pacing. Since there are different seasons, we must learn to pace ourselves. Help me not to run too fast at work and miss the kids growing up. Help me not to be so focused on my career that I don’t nurture my marriage. Show me the wise pace for each season. 

3. Patience. Seasons call for patience. When I am in one season, I must demonstrate patience for the next season. How sad it is when people waste one season wishing for the next. 

4. Purpose. Why does God have you in your present season of life? What does he need you to learn? God never wastes our time. He uses one season to prepare us for the next. Determine God’s purpose for each season and soak in all God desires to teach you. Ask him to help you know when to be silent and when to speak up, when to show love and when to be passionate about injustice. 

Father, I acknowledge that every season of life comes from you, the sovereign God. Please help me to enjoy every season of life. Help me to learn everything you want to teach me in every stage, period, and circumstance. I know that you never waste my time. Help me with my priorities, my pace, my patience, and your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.