This year, we experienced a long winter with frequent heavy snowfalls in Delaware County. Then, in May, we finally began to see blooming flowers, fresh green buds on the trees, and warm breeze as if the snow had never been here at all.
Regarding the course of time, King Solomon writes “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). In this world, there are many aspects that seem to be under human control; yet, just as the coming and going of the season is not under our control, the wise man in the Bible observes that there is One who has appointed times and seasons for every matter beyond our control.
Because of this, the first emotion the writer experienced after gaining this insight was a sense of vanity and meaninglessness. He realized that no matter how wise, wealthy, powerful, or influential a person may be, life does not always unfold according to human plans or desires. Perhaps his most sobering realization was that every creature on earth moves toward death. Even the flowers and animals will eventually wither and die.
Eventually, Solomon came to acknowledge that behind every aspect of our lives stands a Creator God who has appointed not only our time on earth but also eternity itself. In the reality of death, it is difficult to avoid feelings of vanity and meaninglessness. Yet, when Solomon looked beyond human mortality to the Creator God who has prepared eternity, he found himself drawn closer to God and renewed in his faith. The hope of eternal life that he discovered in the midst of life’s futility led him to reflect on the goodness of the Creator God and to approach Him with humility. Then, he expresses what he discovered through his reflections on the Creator, saying, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also he has put eternity into man’ heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
When we recognize that life is not totally controlled by our knowledge or strength, we may feel frustrated at first; however, that realization can also bring a surprising sense of freedom and peace. Likewise, Solomon invites us to embrace this deeper wisdom and reminds us that the Creator desires to fill our lives with goodness and beauty according to his purposes and timing and, ultimately, offers us the hope of eternal life.
Whatever season of life you may be going through today, I encourage you to reflect on the goodness of God just as Solomon did. God desires what is truly good for us – not only in this life, but also in the life to come. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the clearest expression of God’s love coming into the world to save sinners like us and to give eternal life. I invite you to turn to him and share your concerns with him. He is not far away. He is near to us, here and now.
Deborah Jinhwa Lee is pastor of Bovina United Presbyterian Church.
