” a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,” NIV
“A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;” NKJV
“A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.” NLT
Ecclesiastes 3:6
God of seasons and purposes,
I am finding Ecclesiastes chapter 3 has much to consider in what it does not say! It often raises questions, not easily, if ever answered this side of heaven.
I love programmes where people are searching for family or their ancestry. I find myself crying with them and remember how You found me, God. I discovered You had always loved and wanted me. But I wonder about the programmes not made because they do not find anyone at all! You promised that if we seek You we will always find You (Matthew 7:7). Here in Ecclesiastes You say there is a time to give up seeking some other things, to quit searching? Perhaps there are some things we do not need to find the answers to? Or are not meant to? Or they are a distraction and could become all consuming? Then we must let go?
The “why” questions Lord are open ended and I find it difficult to let go sometimes. And sometimes I find answers or make peace over something troubling me years later when I have almost forgotten the question! Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that the thoughts that You think toward us, Your plans for us, are for prosperity (flourishing, thriving), peace, and not for evil so we can know our future and final end. Help us to accept there are unanswerable questions for now and know that You will reveal what we need to know and can understand. What to keep looking and searching for and what we should just let go. So that we can grow towards Your light and not be like the moths fluttering towards distractions.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of seasons and purposes,
For our family, friends, neighbours. We commit them to Your care and provision and best..
For our Ministers, lay leaders, church members. Joy and faith in service.
For the neighbourhood where we live and those who live around us, the shops, doctors, schools.
For the Royal family. A balance between service, regaining good health and family.
For our nation and future Government.
For Gaza, and the Middle East. Move those with power to make a way to peace.
For Ukraine, continued support from other nations and a move of Your Spirit to end war, soon.
For those who face hospital treatment, dentists, physiotherapy this week.
For the NHS, our justice system and police force. Place those among the leadership and management with Your vision for the future.
For us to know and see You working in Your mysterious ways for good in our day, whatever we need to do or not do!
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 19th June 2024
Another traditional hymn which I love to the new tune.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in unsearchable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will
Take courage now ye fearful saints
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head
And I will trust
The hands that made the starry heavens
And I will trust
The wounds of Calvary
And I will trust
And I will not be afraid
For all his ways are love
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
Lyrics: William Cowper
New music by Graham Kendrick.
William Cowper suffered chronic depression. Hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional stability. For the last twenty of his life Cowper lived in Olney, and John Newton became his pastor. He assisted Newton in his pastoral duties, and the two worked together on the important hymn collection Olney Hymns (1779). To which William Cowper contributed sixty-eight hymn texts. The above being one of them.