“There is a time to plant and a time to uproot.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:2
King Solomon writes Ecclesiastes with a deep sense of realism. In the earlier chapters, he reflects on how human efforts and accomplishments can feel temporary and empty, describing them as “vanity.” But in chapter 3, his perspective broadens, which reminds me of the four seasons.
One of the most beautiful things about fall is watching the leaves change. I remember getting the opportunity to drive to Massachusetts when I was younger to see the leaves changing and being stunned at the beauty and colors. It was breathtaking, all the reds, oranges, and yellows. There were hues in the leaves I had never seen in Texas.
Seasons provide us with much-needed change. For months, green leaves hold tightly to their branches. They provide shade, absorb sunlight, and help the tree grow. But eventually, something changes, and the leaves begin to let go. The green fades, giving way to the vibrant colors of fall.
The leaves don’t fight the change by trying to stay green. They release their grip and drift to the ground. So often I see our lives mirrored in nature. I wonder what would happen if I behaved more like a leaf and let go of bitterness, anger, expectations, and control. We all hold onto things long after God has asked us to release them.
Maybe you’re thinking, “But you don’t know what happened to me. It was unfair, unjust, or unbearable.” And you’re right. I don’t know your specific situation. But God does.
I have walked some very difficult roads and have experienced many of the feelings you have. I have questioned, “How can I release this anger, bitterness, guilt, and sorrow when I have suffered so much pain?” Perhaps you are feeling the same way. Maybe you were wronged by a person, hurt by a job loss, a divorce, a gross injustice, or horrible disease.
There are so many losses on this side of heaven. One of the hardest is losing what should have been. Our expectations, or loss of control,, can leave us questioning God because we lost a version of our life we thought we were supposed to have. Sometimes we hold on because we're afraid that letting go means losing.
But the tree doesn't lose its purpose when the leaves fall. The tree is simply entering a new season. Sometimes God asks us to let go because He is preparing us for what comes next. The leaves falling aren't a sign that the tree is dying. They're part of the tree's preparation for renewal. The thing you're being asked to release isn't the end. It may be preparation for a new season of life. So much of our life as believers comes down to us trusting God and taking that next step in faith.
King Solomon had everything anyone could ever want or ask for, and yet he writes Ecclesiastes with a great deal of comparison. He turns from the struggles of individual life to the larger rhythm and order of creation, reminding us that there is a season and a time for everything. While we may not understand or control the timing of what happens in our lives, God sees the bigger picture. What may feel uncertain or out of our control to us is still held within His greater purpose and divine order.
So, what are you holding onto that God may be asking you to release? You don't have to know exactly what comes next. At the same time, the tree doesn't know what spring will look like. It simply trusts the season. Likewise, while we may not know what our lives will look like, we can trust the Creator, our Savior.
Prayer: Jesus, teach me to let go of what You are asking me to surrender. Help me trust that releasing something doesn't mean You are taking away my purpose. Give me faith to believe that You are preparing me for whatever comes next. Amen.
With Love,
Sarah Sherstad
If this season feels like letting go, you are not alone. Change can feel tender, unfamiliar, and even heartbreaking — but Scripture reminds us that there is a time for every purpose under heaven. What feels like loss may also be part of God’s loving work in your life.
Just as leaves fall in their appointed season, there are moments when God asks us to release what no longer remains. He is not removing your hope. He is making room for what comes next.
Take a quiet moment to breathe, pray, and reflect. Use the journaling prompts below to process what you are releasing and to ask God for peace in the season you’re in.
Journal & Reflect
- How does Ecclesiastes 3:2 help you see this season differently?
- What are you being invited to release to God?
- What emotions come up when you think about letting go?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ecclesiastes 3:2 mean?
Ecclesiastes 3:2 teaches that there is a season for every part of life — including planting, uprooting, gaining, and releasing. It reminds us that change is part of God’s design.
Why is letting go so hard?
Letting go often feels hard because it involves grief, uncertainty, and trust. Even good change can feel painful when we are saying goodbye to something familiar.
How do I trust God in a season of change?
Keep bringing your heart to Him honestly. Pray, journal, and remember that God is present in the transition, not only at the destination.
What if I don’t know what God is doing?
You do not need to know everything to trust Him. This devotional is a reminder that even when the reason is hidden, God’s care is not.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that every season is in Your hands. When I feel the ache of change or the sadness of letting go, help me trust that You are still working for my good. Give me peace for what is ending and faith for what is ahead. Teach me to release what You are asking me to release and to rest in Your timing.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Message from Kara
If you’re in a season of change, I want you to know that God is not leaving you behind. He is with you in the release, in the waiting, and in every tender place that feels uncertain. My prayer is that this devotional reminds you that letting go is not the end when God is the One holding your story.
With Love,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the New Mercies Personalized Scripture Journal
If you want to grow deeper in your daily life and reflection, these devotionals can help:
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