Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!
As I mentioned yesterday Lord, Shannon and I have been spending time recently going over everything we’re involved in, and making adjustments to prioritize our energies on those activities that best benefit the growth and harmony of our family, and glorify Your will for our lives. It’s been a good, productive exercise for us, and we’re making some changes that we believe are the right direction for us at this point in our lives.
Reading through Your Word this morning, I came across a very fitting passage (it’s fascinating how often that happens Lord… 🙂 ). It’s from The Book of Ecclesiastes, and is arguably one of the most well-known teachings in the Bible:
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,a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)
Looking back over our marriage, we’ve certainly had a variety of distinct seasons Lord. And while we may not have realized it during those times, each one has taught us something about ourselves, strengthened our union, and helped us grow as a family. These verses speak volumes more than the words alone reveal, and I’m very thankful for their depth and meaning in our lives.
Heavenly Father,
We lift thanks and praise to You for ALL the seasons in our lives; both those that radiate with Your love and compassion, and those which bring lessons born in trial. For while Your plans for us may not always keep us in calm waters, at the end of our earthly journey those seasons of change will have guided us closer to Your arms.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Since I was in sixth grade I’ve adored this passage from Ecclesiastes. Ms. Edgerton required the class to lead daily devotions in our classroom. Each student, in turn, selected a Scripture to share. “To everything there is a season…” That seemed to be among our favorites.
It’s musical. It sings!
But that was a different season… when you could have devotion in public school 🙁
It’s one of my favorites as well Debra, and has much to teach us. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
“For while Your plans for us may not always keep us in calm waters, at the end of our earthly journey those seasons of change will have guided us closer to Your arms.” Amen!
Thank you Lisa! We need to keep praising Him through all seasons, not just those that go smoothly.
Have a Blessed Day!
I’ve always loved this passage! Thanks for sharing! Always nice to re-prioritize and look back at the seasons of life and give thanks and glory to Him! Such an awesome God!
It is indeed Lindsay. We’re committed to trying to find God’s desires for our lives, and carrying them out as best we can. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
This is one of my favorite passages…and looking back at the seasons of our lives, marriages and such is so vital for our learning and growth. Thanks for the reminder!
joy and blessings,
Alida
It’s one of mine as well Alida… So much depth in those verses!
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil,
I love this passage in Ecclesiates. We must be on the same wave length these days, I have been very slowly plucking away at a blog post about this. There was a time when I did not like change, I liked things to stay the same, I knew what to expect, but these days change is a welcome reminder from the Father that change is necessary thing to grow in Him. Wonderful post today Phil, and blessings to you.
Kandi
Thank you Kandi! Change certainly isn’t always easy or convenient, but once we realize that God brings these seasons to us for our benefit, it makes praising Him throughout so much easier!
Have a Blessed Day!
I love this passage in Ecclesiastes! Where you talk about His plans may not always keep us in calm water, but it will guide us closer to Him. Oh I love that Phil! So true. His plans may shake us up. We may get uncomfortable. Bur praise God, they lead us closer to Him!
His plans certainly do shake things about now and again, don’t they Jenifer? 🙂 Thankfully, God has our best interests in mind, and brings us through the seasons of our lives to give us the experiences we need to draw closer to Him.
Have a Blessed Day!
The verse you chosen sure does put things in order if we can just apply it and remember to do it…
That is the difficult part sometimes, isn’t it Desiray?
Have a Blessed Day!
Fall is NOT one of my favorite since I dread the coming cold dark winter but reading once again these verses from the bible reminds me who created the seasons, lessons we learn from them and there IS a season for everything. Good post, Phil
I know it helps me to realize that like everything that happens in our lives, our struggles are simply “seasons” brought to us so that we can draw closer to Him. Such a faithful God we have!
Have a Blessed Day Jean!
Those verses always offer such peace in whatever “season” I am in… I am grateful for them all! Blessings!
I am as well Heidi! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I love these verses (hence..the beautiful in Him name)! I’ve had to do a little re-prioritizing also…I’m thinking that’s one of the reasons I’ve gotten so sick…trying to do way too much!!!
We’re famous for burning the candle at too many ends in our house as well Allison, so I understand completely! I pray you’re feeling better!
Have a Blessed Day!