God has put eternity into our hearts (v. 11).  This divine attribute shared with us means we can contemplate the passage of seasons and of time: past/present/future and even the concept of “forever.” This causes various emotions in us. When faced with a tough season, the fight or flight response is common. Some people try to escape. Others try to force their will on a situation. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes reminds us of something important in verse 14.

God assigns the times and seasons to teach us to fear and trust him.

The Preacher’s poem is a comprehensive sweep of time and seasons. Unlike the previous chapters, he does not cry “vanity.” Instead, he declares that God has made everything beautiful in its time (v. 11). God controls time and seasons for his purposes, which include nudging us to return to him and seek his guidance.

Jesus was the perfect example of living by the Father’s guidance, including his Advent. The Apostle Paul wrote, “when the fulness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” (Galatians 4:4). Jesus was keenly aware of the Father’s timing and joyfully submitted to it. Jesus referred to the Cross as his “hour.” God was orchestrating the timing. He does the same with time and seasons in our lives.

Jesus told the disciples they were not to know the times and seasons the Father has fixed by his authority, but they (and us) would be empowered to be his witnesses (Acts 1:7-8). God is in the finest details of our lives, ultimately controlling the outcomes.

Taking It Home: Consider the plans you have recently made for yourself, then read James 4:13-17. Are you open to the Lord directing your steps or have you resolved to do it your way?