Better Than a Hallelujah

Life is such a mixed bag. Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 is just as true today as it was when it was written.

"For everything there is a season,

a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace."

Two things struck me today about this passage:

1. These times come at different times for different people simultaneously. For instance, while someone may be celebrating the birth of a child today, someone else may be mourning the death of one. And...
2. Some of these different times can also come for the same people simultaneously. Using the previous example, while mourning the loss of a child, one can also celebrate the fact that they were born in the first place, for the time afforded with them on this earth.

I had a lot more I wanted to say about this but my brain is moving faster than I can type and going in all kinds of different directions just based on these two striking thoughts...and it's getting too deep for even me. :) So, just think about this for now; if we can feel this way, while taking into account that 1) we are made in His image and 2) He's not limited by time (In fact, He's not limited at all.), how does God feel? Maybe I'll delve deeper later.

I want to leave you with this last "benediction", if you will. I think it sheds a little light on the irony/complexity of what I'm trying to convey, but my primary goal in sharing this song is to uplift those who are suffering. He is with you...an ever present help in times of trouble and sorrow. He cries with you, yet rejoices when you turn to Him, trusting Him with your grief.