Timely moments – fitting words

Timely moments – fitting words

For everything, there is an appointed time and an appropriate time for every activity on earth. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

 1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.

 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

Throughout history, at appropriate times, the Father has raised up ideally suited, capable, seemingly tailor-made individuals to utter memorable, heartfelt, appropriate words.

“In war, resolution

In defeat, defiance

In victory, magnanimity

In peace, goodwill” (Churchill).

“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln).

“Not only are there times and seasons in this world, but there is also an overruling providence in our lives. From before our birth to the moment of our death, God is accomplishing His divine purposes, even though we may not always understand what He is doing” (Wiersbe).

As there are ebbs and flows to times and seasons, our personal experiences also have their fluctuations and swings.

The Father is at work, and He is at work all the time. As we interact with His assignments for our lives, the use of the right words and actions can significantly impact outcomes. Good word choice conveys empathy, understanding, respect, and clarity, enhancing effective communication. Similarly, aligning our actions with our words and intentions demonstrates integrity and nurtures trust.

The rub comes when we speak ill-timed words or take inappropriate actions. Sometimes, we act out of defiance and stubbornness instead of peace and goodwill; we may ultimately find ourselves opposing the will of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 13:5 But I have placed my trust in Your lovingkindness; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

Father, thank You for making everything beautiful in its own time.

INSIGHT

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

The Hebrew word translated as “season” or “appointed time” is zeman. This term does not refer to a general period but rather to a specific moment in time. It is forward-looking, gazing into the future and suggesting there is an exact time for something to occur. Its focus is not on the concept of time itself but on the succession of events within the space-time continuum.

Consider the fairy tale Cinderella. In the story, she is mistreated by her jealous stepsisters and stepmother, living a life of drudgery and misery as a maid in her own home. A kindly Fairy Godmother comes to her aid, providing her with a beautiful silver gown and a unique pair of glass slippers so that she may attend Prince Charming’s ball. However, there is one condition: the magic spell will be broken at a specific moment in time, midnight. At that moment, the coach and horses, the footmen and driver, and the dress all revert to their original forms. This perfectly illustrates the concept of an “appointed time.”

Appointed times, seasons, and every event under heaven are planned and actualized through the Father’s grace and peace. Regardless of the circumstances, grace and peace are always the present possessions of every child of the King.

What are grace and peace?

“These are two things you can always have, no matter what your circumstances. Grace is all God’s power, all his love, all his beauty available to you. It is a marvelous term that wraps up all that God is and offers to us. It comes from the same Greek word from which we get our English word charm. Grace is charming, lovely, and pleasant. It is something which pleases, which imparts charm and loveliness to a life.”

“Peace is freedom from anxiety, fear, and worry. These are the two characteristics which ought to mark Christians all the time: Grace – God at work in their life; and peace – a sense of security, of trust” (Stedman).

Understanding grace enables one to place great trust in the Father. Trusting in the Father allows one to experience tremendous peace and rest, knowing that the Father is gracious and kind. The Father reveals His personality, character, and ways through His words.

Psalms 33:13-22

 13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.

 14 From his throne, he observes all who live on the earth.

 15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

 18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

 19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

 20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

 

From His unlimited and eternal perspective, the Father sees and knows all. Because He is omniscient, He is aware of our innermost motives and intentions. Because He created us, He has a perfect understanding of how we feel, think, and act. There is no misunderstanding; He knows us thoroughly. Yet, remarkably, He still calls us into His love, His fellowship, and His life!

When children of the King respond to His call to know, worship, and choose to serve Him, several remarkable things often occur in the innermost parts of our being. We experience inner peace, joy, increased hope, and confidence. The Father designed worship to develop a deep love for Him and His people.

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© Dr. H 2024