The very first Scripture that I read on January 1st was an interesting choice by the planners of this ESV Bible Reading Plan. It is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up 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 together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast 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 for war, and a time for peace.
I'm guessing that God has recently brought each of us through one of these seasons. For those who have been under trial and affliction, there is hope that this year will bring relief and renewed joy. And for those who have been in a season of relief and joy, there is hope that many lessons have been learned that will sustain us through any providence that God might take us through in the next year.
As for me and my house, I'm hoping we'll be blessed with lots of laughing and dancing.
That shall be in my prayers then for you and your household!!
ReplyDelete"When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy!.....Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carring sheaves with him."
Psalm 126:1-2a, 5&6 Hugs DS