Beyond the Weekend

February 4 | A Poem and a Problem

February 4, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Listen: Ecclesiastes 3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

In today’s verses, the teacher (probably King Solomon) writes a poem to summarize all he’s seen and experienced. Popularized by the folk-rock group The Byrds in their #1 1965 hit, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” this poem consists of 14 contrasts. These contrasts, “…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…” describe life as it is. Past, present or future—the poet describes experiences common to us all.

But there’s a problem. The poet is describing life experiences over which we often have no control. We don’t get to decide when and if they happen. We don’t see them coming. We don’t get to choose. While we might believe “everything happens for a reason,” we often don’t (and can’t) know that reason. It doesn’t matter how much we want to know—sometimes we just don’t.

As we reflect on Ecclesiastes 3 this week, we’ll see some essential truths. God is still up to something despite life’s highs and lows. It’s just one piece of a puzzle no matter what is happening. Even if we can’t see the whole picture, we want to remember to receive God’s gifts.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

As we move into this week and begin thinking about life’s highs and lows, take some extra Chair Time to evaluate your spiritual health. Identify your current highs and lows and ask, “Where do I need to grow?” Look for those situations where you have just one “piece of the puzzle.” Then ask God for his power and wisdom in those situations as you seek to become more like Jesus. Download this lock screen to help.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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