To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

The Constant Change Of Life

If there is one thing certain about life, it is that life is not certain. Some days go as planned, and some days fall off track. The best-laid plans of mice and men often favor the critter rather than the creation. Life is filled with change. What one expects on this day will not happen on the next. A purpose in life can be changed in a heartbeat. The advice of Solomon is not that life is without meaning, but the wise man will see that life changes are for good. Most people want constants in their lives, and few find them. Not all changes are bad. There is a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted, which shows the evolution of life that harvest cannot come without planting. Some changes are hard. There is a time to be born, and there is a time to die.

Change is real. There is nothing that can be done about the changes in life because it happens. The body experiences transformations, and all the vitamins, exercise, and healthy eating will not keep a man from disease and death. Fortunes can be lost in a moment. Jobs thought to be secure are destroyed. Joys come suddenly in the announcement of an unexpected pregnancy. Greater opportunities are realized. Loveless lives find love. Unexpected reconciliations find peace in one another. Life is a constant roller-coaster of change, from good to not-so-good things.

The examination of life by Solomon was to remind men that life is never the same and seldom what is expected. Viewing life from the lens of divine understanding helps a soul maneuver the constantly changing river of life. God created man to live in a changing world. Without change, man is nothing. Learning to cope with the many parts of life builds the character of strength. It gives purpose to living. True peace is found by those who embrace change and make life a better place because of change, not in spite of it. The gospel is based on change. If a heart cannot change to accept the grace of God, there can be no hope. Each day is a measure of molding the heart to fit more closely to the will of God – change. When life takes a dark turn, God gives direction and purpose. The man Job experienced incredible change, but he never cursed God and blamed God.

When the winds of change blow across the bow, adjust the sails and allow the Lord to guide the heart to new lands and opportunities. Always look for the good that can come out of any situation. Let change positively influence your life to be a better person and a devoted disciple of Christ. Nothing that comes upon the world will change the love of God. The Lord is always faithful and will never forsake His people. Life may change but not the Lord. He is the only true constant and truth that will never change. There is a time for everything under the heavens, and there is a God who holds time in His hand. Trust in Him and allow His love to guide your heart.