Anchor Devotional

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Meaning in Life

“A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, … a time to tear down and a time to build, at time to weep and a time to laugh” Ecclesiastes 3:2-4

To consider the notions of eternity that God has placed in our hearts, we first look at the seasons and patterns in time that make up our lives on earth. Ecclesiastes 3 is about those patterns and experiences. Verses 1-9 could be simply titled, “Time.” Verses 10-15 would be called “Time Eternal.” And verses 16-22 would be designated, “Time Runs Out.”

As we begin to think about time and eternity, you might hear in your head the 1965 song, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” But the Byrds took nearly all those lyrics directly from Ecclesiastes 3. The actual writer of the book of Ecclesiastes—traditionally taken to be King Solomon— gives us the full circle of man’s thoughts on the age-old question: Is life worth living?

Chapters one and two seem to settle on an answer: No. Wrestling with this question may be very familiar to us. But along with the teacher who wrote these God-inspired words, we know that our belief in God our Creator gives life its meaning. Being held fast by Jesus Christ our Savior gives immense meaning to time now and to eternity forever.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Ecclesiastes 3

INSIGHT
“Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:7)

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Joshua 3-4
Psalm 98
Acts 22

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