Thursday, 19 July 2012

Thursday July 19, 2012

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 

Most of us would agree that life has its ups and downs.  Wise King Solomon believed this and reflected on our responses to fluctuating circumstances.  In Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “To everything there is a season, a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance” (vs 3:1-4).

Solomon’s father, David, was called “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).  Yet David’s life illustrates how life is filled with seasons of ups and downs.  David wept over his and Bathsheba’s first child who was fatally ill (2Samuel 18:33).  Yet he also wrote songs of praise and joyous laughter (Psalm 126:1-3).  With the death of his rebellious son, Absalom, David experienced a time of deep mourning (2Samuel 6:12-15).  And when the ark was brought to Jerusalem, David, in spiritual ecstasy, danced before the Lord (2Samuel 6:12-15).

 

We do a disservice to ourselves and others when we portray the Christian life a peaceful and happy all the time.  In stead, the Bible portrays the believer’s life as consisting of seasons of ups and downs.  In what season are you?  Whether a time of joy or sadness, each season should motivate us to seek the Lord and trust Him.

Prayer:

¥ Look through your church’s directory and pray for 5 people who are going through a difficult season. Ring them this week and let them know you are praying for them.

¥ Spend time praising God and thanking God for His character and goodness to you and your congregation.

 

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