More from Ecclesiastes

In Chapters 6,7 & 8, Solomon provides some very practical advice.  In chapter 6:1-6, Solomon reminds us that many people work hard to prolong their physical life ad improve their physical condition.  Yet, people don't spend nearly as much time or effort on their spiritual health.  Pretty shortsighted of us to work hard at extending this life and not take the steps God requires to gain eternal life.  Solomon also reminds us in verses 10, 12, God knows and directs everything that happens and He is in complete control over our lives, even though at times it may not seem like it to us.  We need to think twice about arguing with out Creator who knows us completely and can see the future! Solomon states the profound truth that we do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.  No human knows the future, so each day must be lived for its own value.  Solomon is arguing against the notion that man can take charge of his own destiny.  In all our plans we should look up to God, not just ahead to the future.  In the first four verses of Chapter 7, Solomon  seems to contradict his previous advice to eat, drink, and be merry - to enjoy what we can, but to realize that adversity strikes.  Adversity reminds us that life is short, teaches us to live wisely, and refines our character.  Adversity is a refining fire that burns away the impurities in our lives and brings out the best in us.  Most would agree that we learn more about God from difficult times than from happy times.  See sorrow and struggles as great opportunities to learn from God.  In verses 5,6 of Chapter 7, Solomon reminds us that it is far better to face honest criticism than to wallow in the compliments (flattery) of fools.  In verse 8, Solomon reminds us to "finish the job"!  To finish what we start takes hard work, wisdom, self-discipline, and patience.  Anyone with vision can start a big project.  But vision without wisdom often results in unfinished projects and goals.    God allows both adversity and prosperity to come to all of us.  He blends them in our lives in such a way that we can't predict the future or count on human wisdom and power.  In prosperous times, we love to give ourselves the credit.  Then in adversity, we tend to blame God without thanking him for the good that comes out of it.  When life appears certain and controllable, don't let pride make you too comfortable, or God may allow adversity to drive you back to him.  When life seems uncertain and uncontrollable, don't despair, for God is in control and will bring good results out of tough times.  Very practical advice from a very wise man!

More from Ecclesiastes

There is a wealth of wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes!  I am just taking my time in this book and trying to take it all in!  Although I have found taking it all in and actually applying it in my life is two totally different things!  Today, I was reading in Chapter 5.  Solomon is very candid about what our attitude should be when we enter God's house (our place of worship)!  We should have the attitude of being open and ready to listen to God.  Sometimes we are tempted to want to dictate to God what we think we should do instead of being open to His leading.  We need to be "good listeners"!  I remember telling my kids when they were young that a "good learner" is a "good listener"!  It is so easy to let our minds wander when we are sitting still and quiet in God's house when in fact, the whole reason we are there is to worship God and get our marching orders for the days ahead!  If we're not open and listening....we are going to be out of step in the days ahead.  Solomon then reminds us that we need to be careful about making promises to God.  In times of desperation in our lives we often voice to God that if he will do this or that then we "promise" to do ........!  Solomon reminds us that it is better not to vow than to make a promise to God and break it.  It is better still to make a good promise and keep it!  In verses 10 & 11, I got hit right between the eyes:  "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase:  this is also vanity.  When goods increase, they are increased that eat them:  and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?"  We always want more than we have!  Solomon observed that those who love money and seek it obsessively never find the happiness it promises.  Wealth also attracts freeloaders and thieves, causes sleeplessness and fear, and ultimately ends in loss because it must be left behind.  No matter how much you earn, if you try to create happiness by accumulating wealth, you will never have enough.  Whatever your financial situation, don't depend on money to make you happy.  Instead, use what you have for the Lord.  God wants us to view what we have (be it little or much) with the right perspective--our possessions are a gift from God.  Although they are not the source of joy, they are a reason to rejoice, since every good thing comes from God.  We can be content with what we have when we realize that with God we have everything we need.  I have a saying hanging in my family room that says "Be Happy With What You Have"!  It is a constant reminder to me to count my blessings and be thankful to God for his abundant gifts and provisions!

More lessons....

God continues to teach me more and more every day!  Just sharing again....
I have really been enjoying my study in the book of Ecclesiastes.  I mentioned recently that I was really dreading going to work everyday and the Holy Spirit convicted me of my discontentment.    Eccl. 3:9-13 talks about labor.  I have come to the conclusion that my ability to enjoy my work depends to a large extent upon my attitude!  Work becomes toil when I lose the sense of purpose God intended for me to accomplish in my work.  I can enjoy my work if I (1) remember that God has given me work to do and He has equipped me for particular tasks. (Eccl 3:10).  I can't do my job in my own strength.  I must depend on God to give me the strength that I need and the wisdom that I need to do my job.  I have to keep reminding myself that without God, I am NOTHING.  HE is EVERYTHING! (2) I must realize that the fruit of my labor is a gift from him (Eccl 3:13).  I am reminded of the scripture that says that every good and perfect gift cometh from above.  I am nothing, I can accomplish nothing, and I cannot be successful and fulfilled in my labor without HIM.  HE is my employer and I work for Him.  First of all my job is a way to serve God and secondly, my job is a way to serve others!  So....when I start to feel discontent about going to my job - I need to evaluate my attitude!