Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – I love the changing of the seasons. One of my favorite things is coming home to see and feel the leaves change color, a sign that winter is coming. The crunch of leaves underfoot reminds you that you are enjoying autumn outdoors. It is God’s creation, the One who gives us times and seasons, as we see in the following passages:
Time is a gift everyone receives equally, yet how we use it differs greatly. Scripture says much about time, seasons and God’s appointed times. Here are 10 Bible verses about time and seasons. Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
10 Bible Verses About Time and Seasons
1. Genesis 1:14–18
“And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to distinguish between the day and the night, and let them be signs to mark the seasons and days and years. And let them serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. And He made the stars as well. God set these lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to preside over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.”
– Genesis 1:14–18 (BSB)
In Genesis 1 we see the first seasons and times. God spoke, and it happened. This is how day and night were made, and how God declared the lights (sun, moon and stars) to be instruments for measuring the seasons. The greater light (the sun) rules the day, the lesser lights (the moon and stars) rule the night. He spoke and it came to be, so let us keep trusting His perfect plan.
2. Genesis 8:22
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.”
– Genesis 8:22 (BSB)
After the flood, the first thing Noah and his family did when they left the ark was build an altar and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to the LORD for protecting them from the flood that destroyed the earth. He offered clean animals and birds, and the Lord was pleased with that sweet sacrifice. That is when God promised never again to destroy the earth in that way (Genesis 8:20–21). He declared that times and seasons would never cease.
3. Psalm 1:3
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.”
– Psalm 1:3 (BSB)
Psalm 1 is a picture of a man who walks with God. He chooses carefully to spend time with God and keeps away from the scornful and mockers. Instead he gives his time to God’s Word and to living a life that pleases God. The psalmist says this righteous man is like a good tree, properly watered (God’s Word every day), producing good fruit in its season. God blesses him with a fruitful life. How are you spending your time on this earth?
4. Psalm 104:19
“He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows when to set.”
– Psalm 104:19 (BSB)
This psalm is a reminder of God’s power. Earlier in the chapter the psalmist says, “He set the earth on its foundations, never to be moved” (Psalm 104:5). God’s glory is vividly portrayed in this psalm. Take some time to read Psalm 104 and praise Him for His creation!
5. Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:11 (BSB)
Ecclesiastes 3 may be one of the most popular passages affirming that God had a plan when He created the earth and its creatures. Have you seen how everything is made in His time? Time is in God’s hands, and fully understanding it from beginning to end is not something we can achieve by spending more time. Trust that God knows the right time, and when He gives you a glimpse of His plan for you, hope in it!
6. Isaiah 55:10–11
“For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and bread to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.”
– Isaiah 55:10–11 (BSB)
I love how Isaiah compares rain to God’s Word. Rain comes from heaven and does what God intends… it nourishes seeds to grow into flowers, fruit, trees and vegetables. Rain doesn’t go back up to heaven; the plants use it. God’s Word should be the same, reaching our hearts and nourishing our souls so we grow in the Lord’s discipline and instruction. This is also the biblical foundation for raising children; parents, especially fathers, are charged with it (Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Have you considered this?
7. Daniel 2:21
“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
– Daniel 2:21 (BSB)
In King Nebuchadnezzar’s time, Daniel was the prophet brought in to interpret the king’s dream after the magicians, enchanters and sorcerers failed (Daniel 2:2–13). The king was furious and ordered all the wise men of Babylon killed, Daniel included. But God revealed the meaning of the dream to Daniel, and he praised God, remembering that God rules over times and seasons, kings, wisdom and understanding. When Daniel finished interpreting the dream, Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Truly your God is the God of gods and Lord of kings, the revealer of mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery” (Daniel 2:47). The king rewarded Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego with great gifts and authority over the province of Babylon (Daniel 2:48–49).
8. Acts 1:7
“Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.””
– Acts 1:7 (BSB)
Acts 1 is a wonderful reminder that we don’t need to know everything, and that we sometimes get things wrong. This happened after Jesus’ resurrection, when He appeared to His disciples. They were thrilled to see Him and eager for what would happen next. They didn’t realize this was not yet the time for Jesus to restore the kingdom, nor that a whole church age would follow (the age we live in now). They wanted to know, and Jesus gently reminded them it was not for them to know; they still had work to do (Acts 1:8). Times and seasons are in God’s hands; we just need to trust that He knows when and what is best.
9. Galatians 6:7–10
“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.”
– Galatians 6:7–10 (BSB)
Remember Ecclesiastes 3:1? “To everything there is a season.” We reap what we sow. We have limited time on this earth, and we are encouraged to use it well: to share the good news of salvation in Jesus and bring more people into the kingdom. But telling people about Jesus is not all; we must also use our time to disciple our brothers and sisters in Christ. God gives us the energy and understanding to do everything He asks. Keep serving, and your reward awaits beyond this world!
10. 1 Thessalonians 5:1
“Now, brothers, as to the times and seasons, you do not need us to write to you.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:1 (BSB)
In this letter Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the Lord will soon return. He encourages them that brothers and sisters who have died before them will be reunited with them on the day Jesus returns. In chapter 5 Paul explains that “you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). The essential thing for them, and for us, is to always be ready for His return.
Conclusion
God had a wonderful plan when He gave us times and seasons. He said times and seasons would never cease. Your time on earth and God’s timing are perfect, so be sure to follow His plan for you. Times and seasons are in God’s hands. We only need to trust that He knows when and what is best. Time flies, and you are still here on this earth, which means you have work to do. Scripture says we must redeem the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16–17).
Using Time Wisely
Look back on the past week: how did you spend your time with God, family and work? Every season of life has something God wants to teach. Ask Him to help you recognize the season you are in and make the most of your time for what has eternal value.
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Prayer
Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help us use the time You give to love You and serve others. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Thoa Trần
Adapted from: WhatChristiansWantToKnow.com
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