Life can feel like a mess of mixed signals. But Ecclesiastes 3 gives us a poetic, powerful framework: there is a time for everything. These 12 life lessons offer practical wisdom—especially when you don’t know what to do.

1. Stop Asking “Why?” and Start Trusting

Verse: For everything there is a season…
Lesson: Life won’t always make sense. Instead of getting stuck in why, anchor yourself in who God is—faithful, good, and in control.
👉 Let go of the why and lean into trust.

2. Your Life Is in God’s Hands

Verse: A time to be born, and a time to die…
Lesson: God sees your whole life, beginning to end (Psalm 139:16). You’re not here by accident.
👉 Rest in the divine timing of your story.

3. Know When to Start Fresh

Verse: A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…
Lesson: Not everything lasts forever. Some seasons, relationships, and routines will possibly need to be replanted anew.
👉 Don’t be afraid to begin again.

4. Put the Old You to Death—And Let God Heal your wounds

Verse: A time to kill, and a time to heal…
Lesson: Learn to die to self. (Romans 6:11-14) Let God uproot what doesn’t belong in your character. But also give Him space to heal what’s been wounded in your spirit.
👉 Spiritual growth is both surrender and restoration.

5. Let Yourself Grieve—Then Choose Joy

Verse: A time to weep, and a time to laugh…
Lesson: Mourning is holy and healing. So is dancing and rejoicing. Make room for both.
👉 Feel deeply, then rise again with hope.

6. Know When to Let Go

Verse: A time to cast away stones… a time to refrain from embracing…
Lesson: Some things (and people) are not meant to stay.
👉 Release what no longer serves your growth.

7. Discern What’s Worth Keeping

Verse: A time to get, and a time to lose…
Lesson: You don’t need everything. What you keep shapes who you become.
👉 Edit your life with wisdom.

8. Be Wise With Your Words

Verse: A time to keep silence, and a time to speak…
Lesson: Silence can be strength. So can truth. Ask for wisdom before you speak—or don’t speak at all.
👉 Your words can heal or harm. Use them well.

9. Build What Matters

Verse: A time to break down, and a time to build up…
Lesson: Some systems (or habits) need to be dismantled. Others need your energy and faith to flourish.
👉 Tear down what’s false. Build up what’s lasting.

10. Learn to Love What God Loves

Verse: A time to love, and a time to hate…
Lesson: Hate evil. Love people. Even hard ones.
👉 Align your heart with heaven’s values.

11. Make Peace a Priority

Verse: A time of war, and a time of peace…
Lesson: Peace often comes with a cost—your pride.
👉 Choose peace over self interest and control.

12. Lean Into God’s Timing

Thread through it all: Life is not random. It’s rhythmic.
Lesson: Embrace seasons. Let God lead.
👉 You’re not behind. You’re being refined.

✨ Final Thoughts:

Ecclesiastes 3 isn’t just poetry—it’s practical. It teaches us to live awake to God’s rhythms, aware of His wisdom, and available for His purpose.

📣 Call to Action (CTA):

Which season are you in right now?
Drop a comment or hit reply and tell me—
🕊️ What time is it for you?

Or…

💌 Want help discerning your current season? Join my list and grab my free [Spiritual Self-Care Guide] to tune your heart to God’s rhythm.

If you’re searching for more wisdom look no further than Ann Voskamp’s wonderful blog. She just happened to feature a post from theologian K.A.Ellis. Her new book, Wisdom’s Call, can help you gain wisdom and help you experience more deeply a friendship with Jesus. Here is a link to the post:

https://annvoskamp.com/2023/09/want-wisdom-a-wise-home-start-here