15 June, 2016

He Makes Everything Beautiful



To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which 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 get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, 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 of war, and a time of peace. …He hath made everything beautiful in His time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 &11

Isn’t that pure poetry? I’ve been thinking about writing styles, and the power of words, in these last few weeks - likely because I read an excellent book called The Little Red Writing Book, and there’ve been a few great posts about words going around (like Emily’s). When I read that passage in Ecclesiastes three, it struck me as being a fine example of ordinary words being strung into to something poetic and beautiful.

It’s beautiful in another way too. The author notes that everything comes and goes in its appointed time, and lists contrasting seasons – kill and heal, weep and laugh, mourn and dance, love and hate, war and peace. And then, there’s the climax: God makes everything beautiful in His time. He takes our weeping, and mourning, and losing, and rending – whatever it is we’re going through, and makes it beautiful.

It reminds me of Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God… Seasons of life come - they might be good, or they might be hard – and they move on. But through it all, through everything, God is working to make beauty. In each season, He’s bringing out good, He’s using whatever it is to make us more like Him; whether it’s a time of building up, or breaking down, or a time of casting away, or a time of gathering together. He comes through in every season of life, and turns it into an exquisite object of beauty. 

I was thinking about the seasons of life I’m going through: a time of stress, and a time to relax; a time of indirection, and a time of fulfilment; a time of questioning, and a time of trust. We all go through different experiences - make your own list. But, don’t forget the last part: through every season, stage, time, experience, situation - whether it’s painful or encouraging - God is there making things beautiful, using everything to further His plans for our good. 

Have you read the book of Ecclesiastes? What do you think is a good example of Bible poetry? What seasons of life are you experiencing at the moment?


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32 comments:

  1. Emily 16 June 2016 at 00:07

    I love the Psalms- some of them are wonderful poetry! And Ecclesiastes too, although I think that one gets overlooked a lot. I've definitely gotten inspiration for my own poems from the Bible.
    And those photos! Did you take them? They are gorgeous!!

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    1. Jessica16 June 2016 at 09:11

      Psalms does have some excellent poetry - and I like how they're personal as well. The Bible is great for inspiration, isn't it?!

      Yes, I did take the photos. Thank you. :) And thanks for reading and commenting too - I really appreciate it. :) Have a wonderful day!

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  2. Anonymous16 June 2016 at 01:51

    Wow, wow! This is such a beautiful post. Definitely needed to hear that. I love that passage of the Bible and how like you said He promises to make everything beautiful in the end.

    Absolutely beautiful photos too!!! <3

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    1. Jessica16 June 2016 at 09:17

      Praise God, Hannah! It's become one of my favourite passages too. :) It is so encouraging to know that it doesn't matter what we're going through, God has a plan to turn it into something beautiful.

      Thanks so much for your comment - I'm glad this could be a blessing to you. :)

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  3. Jonathan Trout16 June 2016 at 06:48

    Wow, this was a great post! (also your photography is awesome XD) It reminded me a little bit of the song 'Diamonds' by Hawk Nelson. Even through the trials, God is always working. Thanks for the post! :)

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    1. Jessica16 June 2016 at 09:22

      Thank you, and praise God. :) I haven't heard that song, so I'll check it out!

      Thanks for commenting, Jonathan, and also for following. :)

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  4. Abigail Lennah17 June 2016 at 02:06

    Wow, I think I just discovered my new favorite Bible verse. ^.^

    I think you're right when you say that God makes everything more beautiful, even the ugly moments. I used to not believe that, and several years ago, let's just say that I entered a dark part in my life where I was ready to say goodbye to this world because there appeared to be nothing that would guide me back into the light and help me out of this black hole. But He sent three people who are (and still are) my three best friends in the whole world, and allowed me to express my times via writing, to help people know that they're not alone.

    Thank you so much for this, Jessica. I'm going to follow your blog-- I can't do that until I get home and there's actual steady wifi there. :P

    xoxo Morning

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    1. Jessica18 June 2016 at 22:29

      Yes, that's become of of my favourite sections in the Bible too. :)

      I'm sorry you went through such a hard time. Praise God for bringing you out of it! Your story is a powerful testimony of His love, and ability to turn dark situations into something beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing!

      Thank you, Morning, for reading and leaving behind such kind words - praise God this post could be a blessing to you. :)

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  5. Sarah Margaret17 June 2016 at 04:54

    GORGEOUS PHOTOS. GAH. I just discovered your blog--it's totally amazing! I followed. <3

    sarah margaret
    trusting in the lord

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    1. Jessica18 June 2016 at 22:32

      Thanks Sarah! God out-did Himself with the golden light that morning. :)

      And thanks heaps for commenting, and following! I'll check out your blog as soon as I can. :)

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  6. Elizabeth17 June 2016 at 13:55

    I love this! No matter what is going on in our life, God is always good. This was such a great reminder, thank you!

    With love,
    Elizabeth
    https://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/

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    1. Jessica19 June 2016 at 16:29

      Oh thank you - praise God! Yes, God is always good, and always working for our good too. Thanks heaps for reading and commenting! :)

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  7. Shanna Duke18 June 2016 at 22:13

    This post touched me so much Jess, and gave me principles to help me through the circumstances God has seen fit to put me through at the moment! Thank you for sharing. It wa such a blessing to me :) Miss you!

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    1. Jessica19 June 2016 at 17:04

      I'm glad it could be a blessing to you Shanna - praise God! It's reassuring to know that He has got a plan for good in every situation - keep trusting Him! Missing you too, and looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks time. ;)

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  8. anonymous18 June 2016 at 22:57

    I enjoyed this. It's applicable to my life at the moment, too. Well, I guess everyone's really, haha. :)
    Thanks for it, it was good.
    As was talking to you the other day. :)

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    1. Jessica19 June 2016 at 17:26

      You're welcome. :) Glad you got something out of it - all thanks to Him.

      And yes, it was very nice to catch up the other day. :) Thanks for commenting!

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  9. Olivia Smit20 June 2016 at 00:39

    I'm familiar with this passage... but I guess I don't know it as well as I should! This whole post is truly beautiful... pictures, verses, and your additional musings as well. ♡

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    1. Jessica20 June 2016 at 16:15

      Yes, same here. :) There's always more to learn, and the Bible is inexhaustible!

      Thanks so much for your encouragement, Olivia - praise God. :)

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  10. Maggie Groover20 June 2016 at 03:27

    Wow, that is amazing. He makes everything beautiful. What an encouragement!

    I'm finally following your blog. About time!

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    1. Jessica20 June 2016 at 17:09

      Glad you found it encouraging - all praise to Him!

      Haha, I totally understand; I often stalk bloggers for a while before I follow their blogs. :) But, it means a lot to me, so thank you!

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  11. Sophie Ando20 June 2016 at 13:23

    LOVE your blog. I also LOVE your photography. It's perfect. I have read the book and right now I am in a season of change. I just graduated and I am struggling at finding a job right now but I know it is just a season so I'm trying to just put my trust in Christ that He will pull through and I will find one so I just need to not stress but trust and wait for Him to provide. Anyways, thanks for your post. It was a good reminder and I'm glad I came across it. :) You got a new follower!

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    1. Jessica20 June 2016 at 17:31

      Seriously, thank you and praise God, Sophie!

      Hmm, yes - I'm in a similar situation myself, so I know what you mean! It's hard to trust that He will provide in His time, and remember that His ways are higher than ours.

      Thanks again for reading, following, and leaving such a thoughtful comment. God bless! :)

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  12. - abigail - 28 June 2016 at 11:04

    He does make everything beautiful. He really really does.
    and ah these words and these beautiful beautiful photos make my heart ache.
    Blessings to you!

    -Abigail
    ( sweetergetsthejourneyblog.blogspot.com )

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    1. Jessica29 June 2016 at 11:00

      Amen! Thanks for such a compliment - praise God.

      Blessings to you too, and thanks for commenting and following; I really appreciate it. :)

      Delete
  13. Anonymous28 June 2016 at 12:00

    Wow, I love these photos! You are very talented. <3 Great choices for the verses!

    Sophia xx
    A Lantern in Her Hand
    The Inkpot Girl

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    1. Jessica29 June 2016 at 22:52

      Oh thank you, and all praise to Him who created such beauty! Thanks for commenting too - have a wonderful day! :)

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  14. Erin Marie29 June 2016 at 10:55

    Wow, I'm really digging this. :) I'm writing a novel, and the main passage of Scripture that the book is based on is this passage right here. Ecclesiastes is beyond beautiful! I love your insight, too -- that God ties ALL of these seasons together into a lifetime. It's wonderful! Thank you for posting this, because it's very encouraging to know that right where I'm at, He's there, too.

    (Also, I think Mumford and Son's song "There Will Be Time" touches on this?? Epic.)

    Secondly, I wanted to thank you for your BEYOND KIND comment on my blog. It made me smile!! I seriously appreciate your sweet words and just wanted to let you know that you rock. Thanks again! :)

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    1. Jessica30 June 2016 at 19:23

      That's incredible! Obviously I'll need to read your book when it's done. :) Ecclesiastes is one of my favourite books of the Bible too. I'm glad this was encouraging to you - praise God!

      You're welcome! I'm glad I discovered your blog, and had opportunity to read through your posts - they were a blessing. :) Thanks so much for your kind words; I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. :)

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  15. Jordy Leigh6 July 2016 at 16:49

    Seasons. It seems to be a recurring theme in my life over the past however-many-months.

    I have been eagerly looking forward to the end of highs-school. But last night it struck me in a new way that I only have a handful of months left of this season. Surprisingly enough, I had a moment of panic. Some lessons that God teaches us in life are unique to a season and take a long time to learn. What if God wants to teach me something in this season, and I run out of time.

    Then God reminded me to relax. He's in control and His work in my life is about His faithfulness. As long as I remain willing and wanting to listen, there will be enough time in every season of life for Him to accomplish His work. And as you say, Jessica, He will make it beautiful, in its time.

    This is my first time visiting your blog, and I'm so glad I found it (through your comment on one of my posts). I love the way you write! Have a *beautiful* and blessed day. ;)

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    1. Jessica19 July 2016 at 18:26

      Hey, thanks a lot for visiting and sharing, Jordy! It's so true that we need to pause and appreciate each and every season of life...

      I really enjoy reading long comments, so thank you again, and praise God this small place could be a blessing to you. :)

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  16. Gloria Kluth13 September 2016 at 03:13

    Amen! How wonderful to know that God works in every moment of our life, orchestrating it for His glory and our good.

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    1. Jessica17 September 2016 at 09:43

      Yes, it's so reassuring to know He is working.. Thanks for your comment! :)

      Delete

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