A Study of Ecclesiastes 3

Verse 4

A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;

Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5

For most of us, when faced with overwhelming emotions, a typical response is to weep. It could be tears of sorrow or tears of joy. Sadness seems to be the usual suspect when weeping occurs. The loss of someone we love through death or divorce, the loss of a job, or the loss of a home, can cause us to weep. It’s not generally fun when the time to weep happens, but when we allow it to run its course, it can be healthy for us. Weeping can be cleansing.

A merry heart does good,  like medicine. Proverbs 17:22

Laughter is a healthy part of life. We have to find joy in life; it’s important for our well being. Find what makes you laugh and make it a part of your normal routine. I personally know people who seem to always be unhappy about most everything, and they seem to be the most unhealthy people as well. Let happiness and laughter be your companion in life and maybe good health will follow.

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Weeping and mourning, most of the time, go hand in hand. With loss usually comes mourning. When I’ve lost loved ones to death, there was always a period of mourning that followed. In this life, mourning is unavoidable, and it’s necessary to help our hearts and minds heal. During times of mourning, find people who you are close with to help you process. You have to go through all the stages of grief to get to the other side of the pain. Mourning helps you to face the pain and then heal.

Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3

Now this one is not my strong suit, not something I’m gifted to do, for sure. While I am not much of a dancer, it is joyful to watch other people enjoy themselves through dance. I’ve witnessed dancing in clubs, parties, church, and most anywhere music is present. I think the most enjoyment has come from watching children dance. They have no fear of what anyone else thinks and they dance with total abandon. I’ve viewed some amazing interpretive dance in spiritual settings as well. My best friend was the first person I ever witnessed dance in that style. She had such grace and passion, it truly was a beautiful thing to see. Dance is such a beautiful and freeing form of emotional expression. We should all probably do more of it.

Whether it be weeping, laughing, mourning, or dancing, we’ve been given the emotional tools to handle everything from grief to joy in our lives. Don’t be afraid to feel the things you feel and express them accordingly.

Published by Jeff

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