Today’s 333 Devotional: “When Is The Right Time?”

Sometimes we act one way when we should be acting another way. This usually happens when we are self-absorbed in ourselves, and unconcerned about others around us.

It was the inappropriate grieving on King David’s part that about cost him his kingdom.

After the great victory that was won over Absalom, King David’s men returned victorious only to find David weeping and mourning over the death of his son, even though it was his son that rose up in rebellion to kill both he and his men.

“And Joab was told, ‘Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.’ So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day, ‘The king is grieved for his son.’” (2 Samuel 19:1-2)

Instead of rejoicing, David mourned. And while it is appropriate to mourn the loss of a loved one, in this instance it literally stopped the victory right in its tracks. The men literally began sneaking back into the city, thinking that David would rather have had them die than his son.

Solomon may have taken this event to heart as he writes about when something is appropriate and when it’s not. It’s found in Ecclesiastes chapter three.

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

We need to take time to consider the appropriateness of our actions upon the welfare and wellbeing of others. Because contrary to popular opinion, it isn’t all about us.

Make sure your actions are not only right, but that they’re done in the right way.