Seasons of ups and downs

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. — Ecclesiastes 3:4

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 for every purpose under heaven: . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (3:1-4).

Solomon’s father, David, was called “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Sam. 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 (2 Sam. 12:22). Yet he also wrote songs of praise and joyous laughter (Ps. 126:1-3). With the death of his rebellious son Absalom, David experienced a time of deep mourning (2 Sam. 18:33). And when the ark was brought to Jerusalem, David, in spiritual ecstasy, danced before the Lord (2 Sam. 6:12-15).

We do a disservice to ourselves and others when we portray the Christian life as peaceful and happy all the time. Instead, 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.  â€” Dennis Fisher                     

Dear Lord, help us to turn to

You not only in sadness

but also in joy. We know

You give us both good times

and bad to draw us to

You and help us grow.

May we learn to trust

You in all seasons of life. Amen.

READ: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Every season needs faith

to get us through it.

The Bible in one year:

• Ecclesiastes 1-3

• Corinthians 11:16-33