“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 3:11)
We are wise to recognize and respect the seasons God has set for our lives, our families, and our spiritual disciplines. God’s timing is always perfect, and everything has its proper season. So when we align our actions, prayers, and duties with His divine timing, beauty and order emerge.
One of the greatest challenges we face is maintaining the proper balance between our earthly responsibilities and our spiritual duties.[1] Yet God, who is a God of order, provides both the time and guidance we need for everything. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” When we embrace this truth, our lives begin reflecting a peaceful, God-honoring rhythm that blesses both us and those around us.
Starting the day with God sets a spiritual tone that echoes throughout the day. Psalm 5:3 reflects this beautifully: “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.” By beginning each day with prayer and devotion, we invite God’s presence into all our affairs. This not only brings a sense of calm but also allows us to handle the challenges and duties of the day with a Christ-centered focus.
Establishing a consistent time for family worship is also essential. When we prioritize regular moments of prayer and Scripture reading in the home, we show our children and those around us that spiritual duties are not optional—they are vital. As Acts 3:1 mentions, Peter and John observed the set hour of prayer in the temple. This example encourages us to set fixed times for prayer, so everyone in the family knows to anticipate and respect these times as sacred.
However, balance is key. The goal is not to burden or overwhelm but to bring hearts into God’s presence with sincerity, warmth, and fervor. God values the heartfelt prayers of His people more than the amount of their words. Sincerity, not verbosity, touches the heart of God (Matt. 6:7).
Discipline in our spiritual practices reflects discipline in our lives as a whole, just as neglecting time for spiritual duties leads to disorder and frustration in other areas of life. So as we reflect on the importance of doing all things in their proper time, may we be diligent in giving both personal and family worship its due place. Let us teach our children and those around us by example, showing them there is no higher calling than to seek God first. In doing so, we not only honor God but also create an atmosphere of peace, order, and grace in our homes.
Contemplations:
- Beginning the Day with God. I find that starting the morning with prayer anchors my day. Psalm 5:3 reminds me to lift my voice to the Lord at the start of the day. As I prioritize time with God, my heart becomes more aligned with His will. No matter what lies ahead, placing God first allows me to navigate the day with a sense of peace, knowing that I have already sought His guidance and blessing. It’s also a reminder that God is present in every detail when I invite Him into my day.
- The Value of Consistent Worship. Acts 3:1 speaks of Peter and John attending prayer at a set hour, which makes me reflect on the importance of consistency in my own spiritual life. When I make time for regular prayer and devotion myself as well as with my family, I create a rhythm that brings us closer to God and to each other. This pattern also shows those around me that spiritual practices are essential. Consistent worship times that are rooted in God’s Word and His timing help me establish a firm spiritual foundation in my home and for my family.
- Keeping Prayer Simple Yet Sincere. Ecclesiastes 5:2 encourages me to be mindful of the quality of my prayers, not just the quantity. God is not impressed by long-winded speeches but by a sincere heart. As I reflect on my own prayer life, I ask myself if my words are coming from a place of humility and earnestness. I remember that God already knows my needs, and what He desires most is my trust in Him. This brings a sense of relief, knowing that I don’t need to strive to impress Him, but instead speak to Him as my loving Father.
- Balancing Worldly and Spiritual Duties. Ecclesiastes 8:6 reminds me that there is a time for everything. I often feel the tension between my responsibilities at work and home and my spiritual duties. But this verse calls me to trust that God has given me enough time for both. When I prioritize my spiritual life, other areas fall into place. God’s order brings peace, and I see the importance of managing my time wisely so that I don’t neglect the things that matter most—my relationship with Him.
Further References for Eccl. 3:11:
Eccl. 8:17; Rom. 11:33; Gen. 1:31; Job 5:9; Job 11:7.
[1] Deodat Lawson, The Duty & Property of a Religious Householder, (Boston in New-England.: Bartholomew Green, and sold by Samuel Phillips, at the exchange, 1693), 33.
