This broad chapter touches on several topics in its proverb-like verses.
“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything. In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” (v4-6)
The two main themes seem to be diligence and joy, with an interesting verse about knowing God’s ways thrown into the middle. The author seems intent on telling us that we are to work diligently and not waste any time on this earth, for our time is fleeting. They are also telling us that we do not fully know God’s plans, and don’t know what work He will bless and what He won’t, so we should fully apply ourselves to all that we do.
I am the chief sinner in this world when it comes to ‘wasting time’ and ‘not applying myself’. It seems I procrastinate until the last minute (or indefinitely if there isn’t a deadline), and when I do apply myself, it’s only halfway (partially because of indolence, partially because I’ve mismanaged my time).
God wants us to rest when needed and enjoy life, yet He also wants us to wisely and diligently apply ourselves to the work of His kingdom. There is a time and place for all of these activities, and if we trust the Spirit to guide our schedule, there will be enough time for everything God has planned.
I write this as much for my benefit as anyone else’s: let’s begin / continue relying on the Spirit to help plan our days. I think we’ll see God has given us enough time to fit in everything He wants for us, with room to spare. Let’s start out small with letting Him plan a single hour of our day, and then work our way up from there. We’ll take it one day at a time and watch just how much God will bless others (and maybe us) through our obedience to Him.
Father God, our Wise and Gracious Lord, we glorify Your holy name. Thank you for sending Your Spirit to guide us in Your ways. May we learn to heed His voice, and seek to serve You in building Your kingdom one day at a time. May we consistently listen for Your guidance, and obey Your voice moment by moment. May we bless others as You provide the opportunities, and may Your will here on earth be done as we love our neighbors. Please help us to be wise with the time we have, glorifying You, and edifying others, for all of our days, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training