The verse in Ecclesiastes 3:3 that states “a time to break down, and a time to build up” is speaking to the cyclical and seasonal nature of life. According to the passage, there are appointed times for different pursuits and activities. Just as there is “a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted” (Ecclesiastes 3:2), there is a time for tearing down and a time for building up.
The phrase “a time to break down” refers to seasons of declension, when things are dismantled or destroyed. Examples could include the ending of a relationship, losing a job, a church splitting, or a business failing. These are painful seasons when things fall apart and break down. The Preacher acknowledges that these seasons are inevitable in our fallen world.
Likewise, “a time to build up” refers to seasons of growth, when things are established and constructed. Examples could include starting a new relationship, beginning a new job, planting a new church, or launching a business. These are blessed times when things come together and are built up.
The Preacher’s point is that both kinds of seasons are appointed by God and are part of the natural rhythm of life under the sun. As long as we live in a fallen world, there will be times of breaking down and building up.
God’s Sovereignty Over the Seasons
This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty over the seasons and cycles of life. The Preacher uses the phrase “a time to,” indicating these things happen according to God’s appointed calendar. The breaking down and building up of life are not random occurrences but rather part of God’s wise plan for the world.
This should give us comfort that even in seasons of loss and grief, God remains in control. As Psalm 135:6 declares, “Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth.” God promises to work all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
Knowing that God ordains the breaking down and building up seasons can also help us develop patience, wisdom, and discernment. Times of building may require long, diligent labor. Times of breaking down may call for painful but necessary endings. Accepting our place in the seasons can prevent both anxiety and apathy.
Responding to the Seasons
Since these seasons are inevitable, how should we respond to them? Here are some biblical principles for walking through the breaking down and building up seasons well:
- Acknowledge the sovereignty of God’s timing (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
- Seek wisdom from God’s Word on how to navigate each season (Psalm 119:24).
- Walk in holiness and obedience so you can make the most of each season (Ephesians 5:15-17).
- Trust God’s goodness and faithfulness, even in painful seasons of loss (Romans 8:28).
- Invest wholeheartedly in seasons of building, knowing they require diligent labor (Colossians 3:23).
- Maintain hope in God’s redemption, knowing he is able to rebuild and restore (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Additionally, we can take proactive measures to prepare for shifting seasons:
- Build reserves in seasons of plenty so you can weather seasons of want (Proverbs 6:6-8).
- Make relationships a priority so you have support in times of breaking down (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
- Walk in financial integrity so you have resources to sow in seasons of building (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
- Invest in personal growth so you have stamina for ups and downs (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
Examples of Breaking Down and Building Up
Scripture contains many stories of both breaking down and building up seasons. Here are a few key examples:
Breaking Down
- The tower of Babel dismantled when God confused the languages (Genesis 11:1-9)
- Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed for their wickedness (Genesis 19:1-29)
- Jerusalem’s temple torn down by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:8-9)
- The prodigal son loses everything before returning home (Luke 15:11-24)
Building Up
- Noah building the ark to save his family (Genesis 6-9)
- Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 14)
- David establishing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-12)
- Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-7)
- The early church growing rapidly after Pentecost (Acts 2:41-47)
Causes of Breaking Down Seasons
There are diverse causes behind seasons of breaking down, including:
- Sin: Sin separates us from God and reaps destruction (Isaiah 59:2; Galatians 6:7-8).
- Poor choices: Foolish decisions lead to harm (Proverbs 14:12).
- Spiritual attack: Satan schemes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
- Chastening: God disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:5-6).
- Pruning: God cuts away unfruitful areas to promote growth (John 15:1-2).
- Testing: Difficulties refine and prove our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7).
- Judgment: God judges sin and rebellion in societies (Jeremiah 18:7-10).
Regardless of the cause, God remains sovereign over times of loss and breaking. He compassionately cares for those who suffer loss and can bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:1-3).
Purposes of Building Up Seasons
According to Scripture, God ordains seasons of building up for good purposes, including:
- To accomplish His will on earth (Matthew 6:10).
- To demonstrate His glory and power (John 9:1-3).
- To provide for His people (Philippians 4:19).
- To equip us for every good work (Hebrews 13:20-21).
- To grant us purpose and meaningful work (Ephesians 2:10).
- To create opportunities to bless others (Genesis 12:2).
- To refine our faith and character (1 Peter 1:7; Romans 5:3-4).
If we walk closely with God, seasons of increase can achieve these good purposes and bring great joy.
Cultivating Faith Through the Seasons
It takes faith to walk through the shifting seasons of life well. Here are some truths to remember when cultivating enduring faith through ups and downs:
- God loves me unconditionally, no matter my circumstances (Romans 8:38-39).
- God works all things for my good because I belong to Him (Romans 8:28).
- God will complete the work He’s begun in me (Philippians 1:6).
- God has good plans to prosper me, not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11).
- God promises to provide all I need (Matthew 6:25-34).
- God gives me strength to endure any trial (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
- God will redeem any losses I suffer for Him (Romans 8:18).
Meditating on these truths can produce hope, stability, and endurance through seasons of change (Psalm 1:1-3). God remains constant even when our circumstances are in flux.
Finding Joy in Each Season
While the breaking down and building up seasons of life are inevitable, we can develop joy within each season by:
- Thanking God for the blessings and lessons of the current season (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
- Seeking to glorify God with our attitudes and actions (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- Investing in eternal things like God’s Word and relationships (Matthew 6:19-21).
- Allowing difficulty to deepen our trust in God’s faithfulness (Romans 5:3-5).
- Looking expectantly to the redemption Jesus will bring (Titus 2:13).
- Serving others and alleviating suffering (Galatians 6:2).
- Cultivating contentment in God’s providence (Philippians 4:10-13).
Seasons come and go, but God remains permanently enthroned (Psalm 90:1-2). Therefore, we can anchor our joy in Him rather than changing circumstances.
Walking in Wisdom
Since these seasons are predictable, we should walk in wisdom by:
- Seeking God’s will diligently (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Preparing for future difficulties in times of ease (Proverbs 22:3).
- Pursuing purity to minimize self-inflicted suffering (Psalm 119:1-3).
- Investing time and resources into things of eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21).
- Stewarding seasons of increase generously and responsibly (Luke 12:48b).
- Cultivating patience as we wait on God’s perfect timing (Galatians 6:9).
- Standing firm in hope of Christ’s return when all things will be made new (Titus 2:13).
Walking in wisdom helps us both flourish in the seasons and be prepared for their changing.
Practical Steps in Each Season
Depending on which season we are in, God calls us to practical action steps such as:
In Breaking Down Seasons
- Lamenting and grieving losses (Psalm 34:18).
- Examining ourselves and repenting of any sin (Lamentations 3:40).
- Seeking godly counsel and comfort from believers (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
- Asking God to reveal His purposes and lessons (Psalm 25:4-5).
- Trusting God’s sovereignty and goodness (Romans 8:28).
- Looking expectantly for God’s redemption (Romans 8:18-25).
In Building Up Seasons
- Giving thanks and praise to God (Psalm 100:4).
- Petitioning God for wisdom and guidance (James 1:5).
- Seeking unity and favor with others (Proverbs 3:3-4).
- Stewarding increase generously and responsibly (Luke 12:48b).
- Investing in things of eternal value like people and God’s Word (Matthew 6:19-21).
- Being diligent and purposeful but resting in God’s strength (Colossians 3:23-24).
Maintaining Perspective
To maintain God’s perspective through diverse seasons, remember truths like:
- God cares more about our holiness than our happiness (Hebrews 12:10).
- Difficult seasons produce perseverance and character (Romans 5:3-4).
- Affliction is momentary compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
- Everything in this world is temporary, but God’s Word endures (Matthew 24:35).
- Walk by faith, not by sight of circumstances (2 Corinthians 5:7).
- God’s grace is sufficient for every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- God promises to make all things new one day (Revelation 21:5).
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us endure the breaking down seasons and avoid idolizing the building up seasons.
Reflection Questions
Here are some questions for reflection on the seasons of life:
- What season am I currently experiencing, a time of building up or breaking down? What are some of the characteristics?
- How has this season revealed areas where I need to grow in wisdom and faith?
- What are some blessings or fruits God has produced in this season?
- What has this season taught me about God’s character and purposes?
- How can I steward this season well and make the most of it for God’s glory?
- What preparations do I need to make for the next season on the horizon?
- How can I cultivate enduring joy and contentment despite shifting seasons?
- Who can I serve and encourage who is going through the opposite season I’m in?
Summary
In summary, Ecclesiastes 3:3 recognizes the natural rhythm of breaking down and building up seasons appointed by God. As we walk with God through these seasons, He produces holiness and eternal blessings in our lives. By walking in wisdom and faith, we can flourish in every season for His glory.
God remains sovereign, good, and loving in both types of seasons. He cares more about conforming us to Christ’s image than giving us easy lives. As we fix our hope on God’s redemption and final restoration, we can joyfully endure the cycles of this fading world.