Understanding of the Times

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 4
“And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and in all perception; that ye may distinguish things that differ; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” – Phil. 1:9-119And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9‑11).
Attend, ye keepers of days and times,
Observers of months and years,
Receive a message in simple rhymes,
A message for hearing ears.
God marketh seasons for men to mind,
And times we are bound to heed,
Search out His sayings, if we would find
His answer to all your need.

“There is a season for everything,”
One preacher has wisely said—
“ There is a season for everything,”
And wisdom is living bread:
A time to be born and a time to die,
To plant and to clear the ground,
A time to kill, and a time to try
The waters where health is found.

“ To every purpose there is a time,”
The voices of Scripture tell,
“To every purpose there is a time,”
Consider the matter well:
A time to break down, and a time to build;
Be vigilant, mark the two;
And whether with tears or with laughter filled,
Keep ever the Lord in view.

There’s a time to mourn and a time, to dance,
To gather, to cast away;
For stones that the builder’s work enhance
Are steadfast beyond decay.
There’s a time to lavish the wealth of love,
And sternly its smile refuse;
A time when toil is all price above,
And also a time to lose.

The wise observe both a time to keep
And a season away to throw,
A time for silence, a time to speak,
A season to rend, to sew;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
For evil doth love abhor:
Till Peace and Righteousness share the gate
He setteth “the time for war.”

One holy Preacher hath walked the earth,
Supreme in His Sovereign skill,
Distributing wine in a time of dearth,
By doing the Father’s will.
His ear was open from morn to morn,
Through sorrow he deigned to learn;
To witness and suffer the Christ was born,
Omnipotent to discern.

No more He taketh His course of light
O’er scenes that are waste with sin;
Ascended on high, He dispenseth might,
And watcheth His armies win.
The blood of the lamb, His word of power
No enemy dare gainsay,
The conflict thickens one closing hour.
But victory crowns the day.