A Time for Every Season
- John Gillis
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV)
When Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes, he is reflecting on the rhythm of life. He is at a place in life where he has seen much, gained much, and lost much. His words here remind us that life is not static. It flows like a river—marked by beginnings and endings, growth and letting go, laughter and tears.
In these verses, Solomon recognizes God's sovereign timing. He talks about our longing to cling to what we have, while simultaneously acknowledging that we must let go and progress. The idea is that we should not to too quickly try to rush through the transitions in life, but to remember God is still the Lord over every season—even those we do not understand.
As you reflect on your journey, you may find yourself looking back over the many seasons of your life. There were times of joy, times of struggle, and moments that felt ordinary at the time—but now hold a significance greater than you ever imagined. Each season has had its place, woven into the story of your life.
It’s natural to wrestle with the changes that come with this stage—the ache of saying goodbye to what has been and the uncertainty of stepping into what is to come. You may find yourself asking quietly, Am I ready? Yet even in the midst of these questions, a quiet peace can emerge: the realization that the Author of your story has been present all along—every line, every page, every chapter.
This season is no exception. It, too, rests within His plan. This is a sacred time—to lean into His promises, to lay down the weight of fear, and to trust that the One who carried you this far will carry you all the way home.
If you are walking alongside someone in this season, you may find your own emotions shifting like the tides. There may be days of anger at what feels unfair, moments of deep sadness, and times when you want to bargain for more time, more memories. These feelings are not signs of weakness—they are the natural response of a heart that loves deeply.
Know this: you don't have to have the right words or the all the answers. Just being there is your gift. In the quiet moments, in the holding of hands, in the simple acts of care—you are reflecting the heart of God.
This is also a season for you. A season to grieve, to hope, to trust. Remember that even as you support the one you love, God is supporting you. He is the Shepherd who tends not only to the one going home but to those who remain.
Reflection Questions
Which “season” do I find myself in right now—clinging, questioning, grieving, or resting?
How can I allow God to meet me fully in this season without rushing to the next?
What would it look like to trust that He “makes everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)?
Prayer
Lord of all seasons,
You know the times and seasons of my life, and You hold each one in Your hands. In moments of fear, remind me that You are near. In moments of surrender, let Your peace wash over me. For those who walk beside their loved ones, give them strength, comfort, and hope. Teach us all to see Your hand at work—even in the letting go. And help us to trust that this, too, is a time You have appointed and made beautiful in Your way.
Amen.