If I had written the Book of Ecclesiastes, I might have been tempted to stop at the end of chapter 2. Solomon had already drawn a profound conclusion: to find ultimate meaning in life, one must look beyond oneself and seek God. That sounds like a fitting conclusion, doesn’t it? However, Solomon knew that the story couldn’t end there, and he continued to write because he understood that, even with God, we would still face struggles.
Ecclesiastes is brutally honest about the complexities of faith and life. Solomon doesn’t shy away from the reality that in this fallen world, we may find ourselves grappling with God just as much as we struggled without Him. This is part of the beauty and depth of Ecclesiastes: it confronts life in all its messiness and contradictions.
If we truly want to engage with the world as it is, we must wrestle with the difficult questions about God and suffering. Why do bad things happen? Are tragedies mere accidents, or is there something more at work? Is Satan behind all evil, or does God’s sovereignty encompass even the darkest moments? These questions have troubled theologians and believers for millennia, and Ecclesiastes doesn’t shy away from them.
Solomon unveils a profound truth: behind every event—be it joyous or tragic—rests God’s sovereignty. This revelation leads us to one of the most intellectually stimulating theological puzzles, a mystery that has captivated and perplexed theologians and believers for centuries: If God is all-holy and all-powerful, how can evil coexist in His creation? This is the enigmatic nature of divine providence and the problem of evil.
In some ways, we find Satan easier to understand. He is a being of pure evil, and his motives are clear. God, on the other hand, is far more complex. His purposes are often hidden, and His ways are beyond our understanding, especially in the short term. If God is good, why is there so much suffering? Why do His plans seem so inscrutable? This complexity of God’s ways should humble us in the face of His greatness, instilling in us a deep sense of respect.
It is precisely this problem with God that Solomon delves into in Ecclesiastes 3. He acknowledges the tension we feel when we try to reconcile God’s goodness and power with the reality of a broken world. Yet, in his wrestling, Solomon also invites us to trust in the sovereign God who orders all things, even when we cannot fully comprehend His ways.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV
For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven:
Solomon says that, however we try to resolve the fact that evil exists and that God is good, we can’t do it by saying that God is not in control. IN THIS SECTION, SOLOMON CLEARLY STATES THAT GOD HAS A PLAN AND DOES NOT WAVER FROM IT. He is the one who has made the appointed time for everything.
God is sovereign over everything. HE IS NOT ALWAYS PLEASED, BUT HE IS NEVER PERPLEXED. No evil action skirts His plan. No piece of the puzzle is left over at the end. Either God is sovereign, or He is not. Solomon goes on to reiterate and explain his point.
EVENT IS PART OF GOD’S PLAN
Ecclesiastes 3:2–8 ESV
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.
SOLOMON’S WISDOM IN ECCLESIASTES REMINDS US THAT EVERYTHING IN LIFE, WHETHER GRAND OR SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT, IS PART OF GOD’S SOVEREIGN PLAN. WHETHER YOU’RE A HUMAN BEING OR A MERE DANDELION IN A FIELD, YOUR BIRTH, DEATH, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN HAVE A PURPOSE. GOD HAS ORDAINED A TIME FOR EVERY EVENT UNDER HEAVEN.
A time will come when you receive the news that your parents have passed away, and it will be a time to weep. But that time of sorrow will not last forever because joy will return in God’s timing—perhaps through a new opportunity, a promotion, or moving into your dream home. Then, you will laugh. Solomon teaches that this ebb and flow are the rhythm of life. There will be moments of laughter, and there will be moments of tears. You will rejoice over the birth of your children and later, perhaps, weep because of their choices or hardships. Such is life, and it is beyond our control.
Life is filled with seasons of joy and pain, of building and tearing down. One day, you may be full of hope, searching for new horizons, and the next, you might be weighed down by hopelessness, ready to give up. There will be times when the possessions you value will serve you well and times when you find yourself giving them away, no longer needing them. Seasons of loss and seasons of abundance come and go.
There are moments when you feel such grief that you want to tear your clothes, expressing your agony. Yet there will also be times when that pain fades, and you are ready to stitch up the torn fabric and move on. Sometimes, silence is the right response, and other times, you feel compelled to speak.
There will be seasons of love and seasons of rejection. These, too, are part of life’s appointed times. Solomon’s words remind us that none of this happens by chance; all these moments are woven into the fabric of God’s plan.
In all of this, Solomon teaches a critical lesson: God is not a genie at our beck and call. He doesn’t conform to our expectations or operate according to our desires. Like Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia, God is not tame. He is sovereign, free, and beyond our control. This realization often leads us to a deeply human response—frustration, confusion, or even awe as we try to comprehend a God who refuses to be boxed into our limited understanding.
In recognizing this truth, we are invited not to despair but to trust in the God who, while mysterious, is also wise and good in all His ways. Even when life doesn’t make sense, we rest in knowing that He has appointed a time for everything, and His purposes will prevail.
Ecclesiastes 3:9–11 ESV
What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
In the first two chapters of Ecclesiastes, Solomon presents a stark reality: without God, there is no hope, only vanity and striving after the wind. Yet, when we turn to God, we encounter an even deeper challenge—discovering that God Himself has given us this life filled with vanity and toil. He has appointed every season, every moment, and every event in our lives. How do we live in a world that is completely out of our control? And how do we live with a God who doesn’t always make sense to us?
Solomon wrestles with these questions, and in verse 10 of Ecclesiastes 3, the Hebrew phrase “sons of men” reminds us of our fallen nature. As fallen men living in a fallen world, we are confronted with the harshness of life. It’s difficult to navigate a world where suffering, loss, and confusion seem to reign, and it can be even harder to reconcile this with God’s sovereignty. But Solomon does not leave us without hope.
From verse 11 to the end of chapter 3, Solomon offers us a solid place to stand when life becomes overwhelming. He reminds us that God has “set eternity in the hearts of men” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means that while we cannot fully comprehend God’s purposes, we have an innate longing for the eternal—a reminder that there is more to life than the vanity we experience. God’s sovereignty over time and events is not meant to crush us but to anchor us in faith.
This passage serves as ballast for our ship of faith, keeping us stable when the storms of life inevitably strike. When the hurricanes of life come—grief, suffering, uncertainty—Solomon encourages us to trust in the God who appoints all things, even when we cannot see the whole picture. He assures us that while we may not understand every detail, there is a divine purpose behind it all. God’s eternal plan is unfolding, and though we live in a world marred by sin, we are invited to trust in the One who holds everything in His hands.
In the end, Solomon points us not to despair over our lack of control but to rest in God’s sovereignty. We can find peace in knowing that while we are finite and fallen, God is infinite and wise. Even in the midst of life’s storms, He gives us a place to stand—firm in the knowledge that He is in control and that His purposes are good, even when we don’t fully understand them.
GOD’S PLAN IS
God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrates all things—even the painful and perplexing events of life—for a purpose. As Solomon observes, God “makes everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means that what may seem random or meaningless to us is, from God’s perspective, part of a grand design. When bad things happen, they can appear purposeless or even cruel, but God sees them in a way we cannot. His perspective is eternal, while ours is limited.
Like a piano, life is incomplete without the white and black keys. The melody of our existence requires both joy and sorrow, good and evil, for the entire beauty to emerge. A song played on only white keys lacks depth and richness; similarly, a life without hardship or sin would be flat and incomplete. Just as we cannot appreciate light without darkness, we cannot fully grasp the greatness of God’s love, patience, and grace until we confront evil and suffering. Without the “black keys” of life, heroism, love, and virtue remain unseen and untested.
This is poignantly illustrated in The Truman Show, where Truman lives in a world engineered by Ed Harris’s character, free from all evil, pain, and risk. Yet, in this artificial paradise, there is no real friendship, no genuine love, no courage, and nothing worth living for. Truman longs for something more because a life without challenges or hardship is meaningless. Similarly, life without suffering would be devoid of true virtue and depth. Through our struggles, we grow, learn, and experience the richness of God’s grace.
Solomon’s wisdom reminds us that the parts of life that feel wrong or painful are not wasted. God, like a master weaver, uses each bright or dark thread to form a more beautiful tapestry than we can imagine. We may not understand why certain things happen or their purpose, but we can trust that God’s plan is perfect and wise. He doesn’t ask for our input or give us explanations, and there is no suggestion box in the tabernacle. Instead, He calls us to trust Him, knowing He sees the bigger picture.
Solomon also emphasizes that God’s plan is not only wise but mysterious. We cannot always comprehend His ways, and often, they don’t make sense from our limited vantage point. Yet, just because we cannot fully understand it doesn’t mean there is no purpose. God’s wisdom is far greater than ours, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Even in the mystery, we are called to trust that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), crafting a song that only He can play to perfection.
GOD IS
Solomon’s insight in Ecclesiastes 3:11 reveals a profound truth: God has a singular, unified plan from beginning to end. He is not reacting to the devil’s schemes in a cosmic back-and-forth, like a game of tennis. Instead, God’s plan is sovereign and deliberate, like a Beethoven sonata, beautifully interweaving both the bright moments (the white keys) and the dark moments (the black keys) of life. The white keys alone would be monotonous, and the black keys alone would be overwhelming. But together, they create something transcendent—a melody full of depth and beauty.
Yet, within this grand symphony of life, there is a mystery. Solomon reminds us that God has “set eternity in the hearts” of every person (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means we instinctively long for answers, for meaning, and an understanding of the “why” behind life’s events. Throughout the Bible, even the most faithful of God’s servants asked these same questions. Habakkuk cried out in confusion, questioning why God seemed absent when the world was in chaos:
Habakkuk 1:14 ESV
You make mankind like the fish of the sea, like crawling things that have no ruler.
He was essentially asking, “God, where are You?” Jeremiah expressed similar frustrations:
Jeremiah 12:1 ESV
Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?
Like many of us, Jeremiah struggled to understand why it seemed that God’s promises were delayed or His presence absent. Have you ever found yourself asking these same questions? Wondering where God is or if He cares? We ask these questions because, deep down, we know there must be an order and purpose to life. God has planted this awareness of eternity within us, driving us to search for answers.
Still, while we may recognize God’s hand in some areas of our lives, there are many things we cannot see or understand. We squint, trying to discern the reasons behind our circumstances: Why was I born this way? Why did my father treat me that way? Why did You take my friend? Why am I missing out on this blessing? But God doesn’t reveal all His answers to us. He has placed eternity in our hearts, but He does not always give us a glimpse of the whole picture.
This can be deeply frustrating. We want to see the outcome of our struggles so we can say, “Now I understand why You let this happen.” But God often responds, “I’m sorry, I’m not going to show you.” He works in ways that are not always pleasing or comfortable for us, but His ways are always wise. Solomon reminds us that we must learn to trust God even when we don’t understand His plans.
God is not only wise but also mysterious. His ways are higher than ours, and often, His purposes are hidden from us. Solomon continues in verse 12, saying that even though we don’t have all the answers, we can still rejoice in the present moment, trusting that God’s plan is good, even when it is beyond our understanding.
DON’T LET WHAT YOU CANNOT KNOW DESTROY WHAT YOU CAN
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Solomon’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes teaches us that even when we don’t understand everything God is doing, we cannot let our lack of knowledge or control over life’s events rob us of the joy we can experience in the present. We aren’t God, and we can’t control the circumstances of our lives, no matter how much we wish otherwise. There’s a freedom in accepting this truth. Solomon encourages us to enjoy life, even amid uncertainty, instead of being consumed by what we cannot know or change.
I often counsel Christians who struggle because they are frustrated by their limitations, wishing they could control or understand every part of their lives. They feel tormented by their helplessness in the face of confusion and suffering. But the truth is, we’ve never had the ability to understand everything that happens, whether good or bad fully. So, what’s the alternative? Solomon tells us to resist becoming cynical or unhappy and, instead, to focus on doing good while we have the chance. We may not have all the answers, but we are called to trust God and do good in this short life.
In verse 13, Solomon reminds us that life does not have to be meaningless. Yes, we are all going to die—time is ticking, and no one escapes the reality of illness, pain, and death. Whether it’s a virus, a cavity leading to a root canal, or some unforeseen tragedy, the difficult things in life are inevitable. But that’s precisely why Solomon urges us to enjoy the good things in life while we can.
Jesus also taught this:
Matthew 6:34 ESV
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Enjoy today, trust God, and live with gratitude for the simple pleasures in life. Yes, we know that pain and hardship are coming, but that doesn’t mean we should let that knowledge overshadow the moments of joy we have right now.
So today, while things are OK, do something you love. Have a banana split with extra whipped cream and nuts, invite some friends along, and savor the experience. Call up an old friend and reconnect. Watch a movie you’ve meant to see, curl up on the sofa with some hot popcorn, and enjoy the peace of the moment.
The reality is that life’s hardships—whether it’s a root canal, an illness, or the loss of a loved one—are inevitable. You may eventually receive a phone call telling you your father has passed on or face your health challenges. But that’s all the more reason to embrace the good things today.
I don’t know what the future holds for me. One day, a doctor may give me news that will turn my world upside down. I might face surgery, treatment, or pain. Or perhaps a car will cross the yellow line and hit me, or my body will wear out. But while I’m OK today, I’m choosing to enjoy it. I won’t let the uncertainty of tomorrow ruin the blessings of today. Solomon teaches us to live wisely in this balance—trusting God for the future while enjoying His good gifts in the present.
IN THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD.
Ecclesiastes 3:14 ESV
I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it so that people fear before him.
Solomon’s final ballast for our boat is the call to rest in God’s sovereignty. The truth of God’s sovereignty is not meant to trouble us but to comfort us. When anything horrible happens, we don’t need to understand all the reasons behind it; we must know that God is in control. His plan is unchanging and perfect; we can trust that nothing will happen without His knowledge and purpose.
It’s not necessary to have all the answers. We can rest assured that God fully knows all events in our lives. Though we might not understand why He allows certain things, we know His will is good. I don’t have a problem with God allowing things that don’t fit into my understanding because I know I’m limited in wisdom. But I also know that the universe is not run by evil. If God were weak or uninvolved, life would lose meaning, and despair would be inevitable. But Solomon reassures us that everything God does is eternal and unchangeable. His decrees are perfect, and there’s nothing to add or take away from them.
In verse 14 of Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon emphasizes that God’s actions are meant to inspire reverent fear and trust, not cynicism. This reverence should deepen our trust in His sovereignty, even in the face of life’s mysteries. The things we don’t understand should not repel us from God; instead, they should make us bow in awe of His grander plan.
Solomon continues by affirming that God has decreed everything happening now in the past, and everything in the future will occur according to His plan. God can seek out and fulfill what seems lost to us—
Ecclesiastes 3:15 ESV
That which is already has been; that which is to be already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
He sees the entire puzzle of life and knows exactly where each piece fits. When an event or situation stumps us, it’s like holding onto a puzzle piece that doesn’t make sense. But God’s timing reveals the perfect place for that piece, and the picture becomes clearer.
A beautiful example of this truth comes from Corrie Ten Boom’s story in The Hiding Place. Corrie and her sister Betsy were held in a Nazi concentration camp, enduring unimaginable suffering. Yet Betsy insisted they trust God and thank Him for everything, even the lice that made life in their barracks unbearable. It wasn’t until later that Corrie discovered those lice kept the guards out of their barracks, allowing them to hold Bible studies without fear of interruption. God had used something seemingly insignificant, such as lice, to protect and bless them. He sought what had passed by and brought meaning to their suffering.
How do we maintain a solid faith in a world of uncertainty and evil? Solomon shows us the way: we must trust that God is wise, God is mysterious, and His sovereignty is unshakable. We shouldn’t allow what we don’t know or understand to destroy the joy we can experience. Instead, we should rest in the knowledge that God is in control.
An additional thought helps us deal with the evil and injustice that often seem overwhelming: the greatest act of injustice in human history occurred over two thousand years ago. The only perfect person to ever live—Jesus Christ—was betrayed, tortured, and crucified. He, of all people, did not deserve the suffering He endured. Yet, God was at work in that moment of incomprehensible evil, turning the most unjust event into the greatest act of redemption. Jesus triumphed over sin and death, securing our salvation. For three days, nothing made sense, but on the third day, everything became clear.
No matter what you are facing, nothing compares to the suffering of Calvary. God used that horrific event to bring about eternal good, and He can do the same with the trials you face. Will He explain everything to you? Likely not. God doesn’t promise that there will always be a “third day” when we fully understand why certain things happen. But He does promise us Himself, and that’s enough to place our trust in Him.
In the face of life’s uncertainties and difficulties, God requires just one thing from us: don’t let what you cannot control destroy what you can enjoy. Rest in His sovereignty, trust in His wisdom, and find peace knowing He is always in control.