"For Everything There Is An Appointed Time"

PEOPLE often say, " I should have done it sooner." Or possibly in hindsight, "I should have waited." Such reactions demonstrate the difficulty that imperfect humans have in determining the right time for certain things to be done. This limitation has caused relationships to crumble. It has led to disappointment and frustration. And worse of all, it has weakened some people's faith in Jehovah and his organization.

Having the wisdom and the insight that humans lack, Jehovah is capable of foreknowing, if he so desires, the outcome of every action. He can know "from the beginning the finale." (Isaiah 46:10) Hence, he can unerringly pick the most opportune time to do anything he wants to do. Rather than trusting our own faulty sense of timing, therefore, we are wise to accept Jehovah's determination of appointed times!

For example, mature Christians loyally wait for Jehovah's appointed time for certain Bible prophecies to be fulfilled. They stay busy in his service, all the while keeping clearly in mind the principle of Lamentations 3:26: "Good it is that one should wait, even silently, for the salvation of Jehovah." (Compare Habakkuk 3:16) At the same time, they are convinced that Jehovah's announced execution of judgment, "even if it should delay. . . .,will without fail come true. It will not be late." -Habakkuk 2:3.

On the other hand, if we fail to understand fully certain Bible texts or explanations provided in Watchtower publication, do we have a reason to become impatient? Awaiting Jehovah's appointed time to clarify matters in the course of wisdom. "For the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) What a marvelous promise! But we must realize that Jehovah reveals his confidential matters at the same time he deems advisable. For that purpose God has authorized a "faithful and discreet slave" to provide his people with "their [spiritual] food at the proper time." (Matthew 24:45) There is, therefore, no reason for us to become overly concerned, or even agitated, that certain matters are no fully explained. Rather, we can be confident that if we patiently wait on Jehovah, he will provide, through the faithful slave what is needed "at the proper time."

Wise King Solomon spoke of 28 different things, each of which has its "appointed time." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) An understanding of the meaning and implications of what Solomon said will help us to determine the right time and the wrong time for certain actions, as viewed by God. (Hebrews 5:14) That, in turn, will allow us to pattern our lives accordingly.

Next time: "A Time To Weep And A Time To Laugh"

Watchtower, 1999