Cycles of Life

Ecclesiastes helps us think about life as part of an endless flow, a cycle of coming and going. Some people are driven to amass wealth and power. But the Bible reminds us that life is like “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

Trying to develop the right perspective, we see that our lives are temporary, that we all are part of the passing of time. Generations come and go, yet “the earth abides forever.” The sun rises and sets. Winds whip from the south, then turn around to the north. “All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full” (v. 7).

We realize that life is filled with constant change. After completing one project, more projects arise. We end one day, only to face new challenges the next. We reach goals, but then make new goals. We get a paycheck, but soon must earn more. We cook a meal, but then must cook another.

It can be easy to react to these cycles with pessimism. Nevertheless, the Bible encourages us to realize that God wants us to have the right perspective and to realize that He gives meaning to life and promises eternal life.

In your life, remember that God has made “everything beautiful in its time.” There is a season for everything and “a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11).