There Is A Time

The Bible sort of fell open to Ecclesiastes 3:1 today. I have trouble with Ecclesiastes. I know it is one of Solomon's wisdom books, but it seems somewhat fatalistic. To some extent though it is comforting. It says that both good and bad happen, and in all of that we should "12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing,"

3:1 Whether good or evil.To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born,And a time to die;
A time to plant,And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill,And a time to heal;
A time to break down,And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep,And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones,And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain,And a time to lose;
A time to keep,And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear,And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,And a time to speak;
8 A time to love,And a time to hate;
A time of war,And a time of peace.

It seemed apt today as I reread this to think about life with it's ups and downs. It is comforting to know that through it all, God is in charge and God is there. He doesn't leave in the bad times. I don't know why he allows them; perhaps the answer is in verse 14 "I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it.

God does it, that men should fear before Him."