Solomon begins in Ecclesiastes 3 by telling us that there is a time and place for everything. And that all things are made beautiful my God in His time. He concludes his reflection on time and timing by saying since all this true it is best for us to work hard and enjoy the fruit of our labor in the moment. It is how God wants it and why God created work. He wants us to work with our time but also enjoy its rewards.
Immediately after his section on time and work for humanity, he compares that with God’s relationship to time. Unlike humanity, God is above time. Time answers to God. He endures forever. And nothing can be added to it or taken from it for God.
This should give us immense comfort. While we are very much controlled by time, God is not. Time does not run out for God. Time does not dictate what God does. Instead, nothing can be added or take away unless God allows it. Nothing God does is temporary. It will not be vain work and labor like mankinds. God’s work endures forever.
So, when you feel the chaotic nature of life and you feel like time is just always against you, or you get down and frustrated that all the hard work you’ve put into something doesn’t appear to matter because situations have changed, look to God for your stability and security. He is the Rock unmoved by time. And unlike our labor, God’s work endures forever and is never vain or empty.
Adonai's Appeal 