The verse “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” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 ESV) speaks to the reality that life has both joyful and sorrowful seasons. There are times of weeping and times of laughing, and God appoints each in turn. What does this mean for us today?
1. God is sovereign over life’s changing seasons
This passage reminds us that God reigns supreme over the seasons and situations of life. There are seasons of joy and seasons of pain, seasons of loss and seasons of gain. But all are ordained by God for His purposes. We may not understand why we go through hard times, but we can trust that God is in control. He brings times to weep, and He brings times to laugh. He is sovereign over every season.
2. Both joy and sorrow serve God’s good plan
Since God appoints both seasons of weeping and laughing, both must somehow serve His loving plan for our lives. Times of joy can strengthen and encourage us. Times of sorrow can refine us and turn our eyes toward eternal hope. God uses both kinds of seasons to transform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29). We may not enjoy the weeping times, but we can trust they have value in God’s eyes.
3. Seasons of weeping prepare us for eternity
Times of sorrow, mourning, and tears have a unique spiritual value in preparing our hearts for heaven. Ecclesiastes says there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh.” On this fallen earth, weeping is appointed, but in heaven, God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4). Times of weeping remind us this world is not our home. They keep our hearts longing for eternity.
4. Seasons of joy are glimpses of eternity
The seasons of joy and laughter we experience on earth can be seen as glimpses of the unbroken joy that awaits believers in heaven. C.S. Lewis wrote, “All joy…emphasizes our pilgrim status; always reminds, beckons, awakens desire. Our best havings are wantings.” Joyful seasons remind us of the greater, unending joy to come.
5. Both seasons teach us to depend on God
Whether weeping or laughing, all of life’s changing seasons are meant to draw us closer to God. Times of joy give us reason to praise Him. Times of sorrow drive us to seek Him as our only sure hope. God uses both seasons to teach us to rely not on ourselves but on Him.
6. God promises His presence in every season
The changing seasons of life can seem unpredictable and confusing. But God does not leave us alone to navigate them. He promises His steadfast presence no matter what comes. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you.” We have God’s presence through every season of weeping and laughing.
7. This life is not all there is
Finally, the cycles of earthly joys and sorrows remind us that this life is not all there is. Ecclesiastes says our earthly seasons occur “under the sun” – that is, during our mortal lives. But a glorious eternal season awaits all who trust Christ. There the cycles end. Paul said, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The seasons of earth prepare us for eternity.
8. How Should We Respond to Each Season?
When God appoints a time to weep, we should mourn with hope and draw near to God. When He gives a time to laugh, we should rejoice humbly and praise Him. Here are some practical ways to respond rightly in each season:
In times of weeping:
- Pour out your heart to God in prayer (Psalm 62:8).
- Trust in God’s promises and take refuge in Him (Psalm 56:8).
- Allow friends and family to comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
- Examine yourself and repent of any sin (Lamentations 3:40).
- Meditate on God’s faithfulness and sovereignty (Psalm 77).
- Serve others going through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:4).
In times of laughter:
- Praise and thank God for His goodness (Psalm 100:4).
- Give generously to help others in need (2 Corinthians 8:2).
- Enjoy His gifts humbly and in moderation (1 Timothy 6:17).
- Remember those less fortunate (Romans 12:15).
- Use your joy to draw others to Christ (Matthew 5:16).
9. Examples of Weeping and Laughing Seasons in Scripture
The Bible contains many stories of God’s people passing through seasons of weeping and laughing. Here are a few key examples:
Seasons of weeping
- Job – After losing his possessions, children, and health, Job mourned (Job 1:20).
- Jeremiah – Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah grievously lamented Jerusalem’s coming destruction (Lamentations 1:16).
- Jesus – He wept at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35).
- Peter – He wept bitterly after denying Jesus (Luke 22:62).
Seasons of joy and laughter
- Abraham and Sarah – They laughed in disbelief and joy when promised a son in old age (Genesis 17:17; 21:6).
- Israel – After the Exodus, the Israelites sang and danced with joy (Exodus 15).
- Hannah – She rejoiced at the birth of her son Samuel after years of barrenness (1 Samuel 2:1).
- Elizabeth – She delighted when Mary visited her pregnant with Jesus (Luke 1:41).
10. Promises for Seasons of Weeping
Here are some key promises from Scripture to meditate on in times of sorrow and tears:
- “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
- “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
- “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
- “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4).
- “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
11. How Ecclesiastes 3 Relates to the Gospel
Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that life’s changes are universal and ordained by God. But the Gospel provides eternal hope amid earth’s shifting seasons. Through Christ we have:
- Forgiveness for sin that brings suffering (1 Peter 2:24).
- Strength to endure earthly trials (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- A High Priest who sympathizes in our sorrows (Hebrews 4:15).
- The Holy Spirit to comfort us and produce fruit in every season (John 14:16-17; Galatians 5:22-23).
- Assurance of eternal life beyond this world’s pain (1 John 5:11-13).
- A coming day when God “will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4).
Because of Jesus, seasons of weeping lead to everlasting joy for believers. The Gospel provides hope and purpose amid both seasons of weeping and laughing.