10 Ways to Conquer Discouragement

So, we’ve acknowledged that we do sometimes face discouragement. (See last post, if you haven’t read it yet) What now?  How can I become intentional in my actions to help? What can I do to help stop discouragement?

Here are some things that I have found helpful:

1. VOCALIZE.

You don’t have to scream it to the world, but find someone, or multiple people, whom you trust. Then unapologetically put it out there, all of it. I’ve found that just vocalizing what I am facing takes it’s power. 

The devil wants us to think we are alone in what we are facing/feeling, and he wants us to keep it to ourselves. He wants us to become withdrawn, isolated, and to fall further into that pit of discouragement.

Voacalizing means you’ve put it out there for others to start helping you pray. Sometimes those prayers come from where you would least expect them. You may not ever know who starts calling your name to Jesus. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9-12‬ that  “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” There is power to overcome just by not walking life alone.

‭‭I’ve also found in vocalizing what I am going through, others find their voice as well. So, not only have you found your voice, you’ve helped someone else find their voice. Suddenly we are not alone, instead we’ve helped someone else take that first step too.

2. READ YOUR BIBLE

I cannot emphasize this one enough. It is SO VERY IMPORTANT to stay in the Word of God. It doesn’t matter if we feel like it. We get in the word anyway. It is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. (Psalm 119:105) There is life giving words for our souls. We have to intentionally take the time to get in there and read it.

We have little excuse in 2022 for not getting in the word. Bibles are readily available to us. There are apps on our phones that will read it to us, give us devotions to dig into the word, and send reminders to our phones so we don’t get busy and forget. Make up your mind to get in the word.

3. BREATHE 

Breathing is life. I have found that when I get stressed, or life feels overwhelming, I don’t inhale well. I guess you could say that I forget to breathe.  You will be amazed what a couple minutes a day of deep breathing can do for your mind. 

4. PRAY

Call on Jesus! Prayer is a weapon that is not used near enough. When you feel discouragement coming on, get alone with the Lord and pray. In the pit of discouragement, call out to Jesus. Just call on his name. I know he isn’t hard of hearing. He hears the faintest whisper, but sometimes you need to yell for him in the very desperation you feel. The Bible is full of promises and examples of how the Lord heard, and answered when his children called out to him. I’ve listed a few here. ⬇️

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. -Psalm 34:4

The righteous cry, and the Lord hearth, and delivered them out of all their troubles. -Psalm 34:17

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. -Psalm 18:6

In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. -Psalm 120:1

Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am....-Isaiah 58:9

5. WORSHIP

Hopefully worship is a part of your daily life. If it isn’t, today is a great day to start that daily habit. During times of encouragement worship longer. Make a playlist of your favorite Christian songs, and then fill your heart with them.  In Acts when the disciples were given the instructions to wait for the promise. Luke’s account in chapter 24 verse 49 says ‘ tarry... until ye be endured with power from on high.’ Tarry means to stay, abide, continue, or to lodge. I even heard the word in my heart during church last night. Tarry just a little longer.❤️

6. GO TO CHURCH

Gathering together with the church is vital. The building is just the meeting place of the church. We are the church. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. We strengthen each other, and encouragement is found. It’s necessary for growth as Christians. Nothing else should take the place of coming together to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In all reality, nothing else can take it’s place. There is just something special about worshipping with other believers. You can do all the other things, but if you leave this one out, you will fall short on beating discouragement. You may ask why after reading that last sentence. The simple answer is failing to be obedient to the Word of God. 

7. SLEEP

Your body and mind need sleep. Make a healthy sleep routine. Don’t lay there scrolling on your phone or iPad. Close your eyes and rest. It’s the way God designed your body. It’s your rebooting time. Sleep is essential to function well.

8. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

We live in a fast paced world. We are all guilty of putting too much of the wrong food in, and not enough of the good. Most of us do not get the right amount of nutrients needed. So, start with a one a day. Take a vitamin. 

9. EAT HEALTHIER

Sugar is my go to. I am so guilty of choosing the worst foods. I want all the French fries, and pizza. 😆 All the foods that research has shown to pull you down in body and mind. So, I have to put a lot of effort into being intentional about what I am putting into my body. Some days I do better than others, but I keep trying because I know it makes a difference in how I feel. So, start small if you must, but start somewhere throughout your day by choosing foods that will make you feel better. 

10. FEEL

I’m going to end on this one. I am so guilty of not allowing myself to feel the feelings. I somewhere along the way decided that as a Christian there are certain feelings I’m just not supposed to feel because I am more than a conqueror through Jesus. And that just isn’t the case. Yes, the verse is true, but it doesn’t mean we don’t feel. Even Jesus dealt with the feelings. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. In the garden he prayed until his sweat were as drops of blood surrendering to the Father’s will.  The Lord himself allowed his people time to grieve. We find that example with the death of Moses, and others. 

So, allow yourself to feel the feelings, just don’t take up residence there and forget to incorporate the other important habits. Make yourself take a shower, and brush your teeth on the hardest days. Pray. Call a friend. You don’t have to conquer the world every single day.

The 10 things listed above are some of the areas of my own life where I am choosing to be intentional. There are more, like going for walks. The list could go on, and you will find your own areas to be intentional in, but hopefully this will be a helpful list in getting you started on your journey to beat discouragement. “In all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”(Romans 8:37) We are conquerors because we are not in this alone. Determine in your heart to choose one area to work on, and after you’ve made that a habit, add another area to work on. Jesus thought you were worth dying for, so look in the mirror, and see how much you are worth to him. Find the strength inside of you to live intentionally, and help others along the way. You are walking toward your testimony. Embrace the journey, and then find fulfillment in helping others.❤️

ARE YOU READY TO BEAT DISCOURAGEMENT?

So, here we are, a season of feeling discouraged. No one wants to talk about it. Why would a Christian ever hit a season of feeling discouraged, right? Yet here we are, walking it out. Not wanting to share it with anyone because being here must obviously mean we’ve failed in some way. That is obviously what everyone will think anyway, right? And there is no way possible we would ever admit to failing. 😲 Nope. That can’t be it.

I want to start with the very definition of discouragement. Let’s just go right to the meaning of the word, and start working our way out of this pit of despair where we’ve found ourselves wallowing. Yep, I said it, wallowing.

Discouragement- a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness: to deprive of courage or confidence: dishearten: to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something: an attempt to prevent something by showing disapproval or creating difficulties; deterrent.

When we reveal the meaning of the word, we find the very definition of what satan wants to do to Christians.  His goal is to dishearten you, dissuade you, prevent you from moving forward in Jesus. He wants to hold you back from your full potential, your calling. He would love nothing more than to see you lose confidence and enthusiasm in the Lord of your life. He wants to separate you from your hope, and your help. His ultimate goal is to steal, kill, and destroy.  (John 10:10) Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) The very opposite of discouragement. So, now that we know the definition (revealing the source), maybe we can be more equipped to fight it. 

When asking Google what causes discouragement, it gives answers like: “fear, loss, lack of direction or purpose, chronic issues, lack of control, unhealthy relationships, loneliness, ingratitude.” While there are more reasons for discouragement, this is a good list to start evaluating our lives. What are you facing in your life right now. What season are you walking through, or just finished walking through that you feel  has led to your discouragement? Fear? Have you suffered loss in your life? Have you lost your direction? Do you feel lost searching for your purpose? Are you living on a roller coaster that is out of control? Have you isolated yourself? Have you lost your heart of thankfulness? Maybe life just hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would? There are all kinds of causes that life can throw. We have to be equipped with the whole armor of God. The helmet of salvation. The sword (the Word of God)of the spirit. The shield of faith. Having truth as your belt, and righteousness as your breastplate. Even your feet covered, and ready with the gospel of peace. Peace, just saying the word brings comfort!

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” -Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Let me tell you, I to have walked through the pit of discouragement. If I am completely honest depression has shown it’s ugly face at my door in recent months. I, like many others, have walked through this long season of sickness, so much loss, hurt on every side, and screaming uncertainty. A season where all the norms/pillars of life have been shaken. Life has thrown enough curveballs to discourage the most optimistic. So, what do we do?

🎶”Where do I go when there’s nobody else to turn to? Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there’s no foundation stable? I go to the rock. I know he’s able, I go to the rock.”🎶

When discouragement hits, I tend to question what I’ve done wrong to cause me to be in this place. What life choices do I need to change? What areas am I failing? And sometimes the answer is, “Lord, I am doing the best I know how right now.” The truth is, discouragement isn’t always a direct result of bad life choices. Sometimes it is a direct result of poor choices, but not always. Discouragement can settle in from things happening around us beyond our control. So, what do we do? Just quit? Give up? Will that fix the discouragement? 

What I have found in this season, is that I have to be intentional. Intentional with my actions. Intentional with my thoughts. Intentional with every aspect of my life. Being intentional takes effort on my part, even when I don’t feel like it. Failing to be intentional in what may seem like small things can quickly send us in a downward spiral. Being intentional, especially in our thought life, isn’t a foreign concept Biblically. In Acts 26, Paul tells king Agrippa that he thinks himself happy. Philippians 4:8 says:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

If we allow it, we are constantly being fed a diet of negativity. All of the bad things being pushed to the forefront in the news, and on social media. Nothing but bills, and junk mail showing up in the mailbox. If that is our only life diet, gloom, discouragement, and despair are sure to follow. We have to take the time to evaluate our habits. Evaluate what we are putting into our mind. Evaluate our thought life. We have to find the areas that we’ve allowed to slip down that slippery slope, and we have to become intentional about committing to change them. It’s not a one and done deal. We have to adopt life habits that will literally change our way of thinking. And Jesus wants you to walk in that freedom.

This week’s homework? Evaluate. Take a good honest look at your life, and evaluate where some intentional changes can be made. In my next post, I hope to share some steps I have made in my own life that have helped immensely.

 

Jesus IS My Shield

I had a refresher in learning a little bit about the Ozone with my kids. I’m sure I learned about the make up of oxygen and the ozone in school, but it’s been awhile.  Like oxygen, ozone is a little gas molecule. The difference between oxygen and ozone is an extra oxygen atom. Oxygen is made up of two oxygen atoms stuck together. Ozone has three oxygen atoms stuck together. (Makes me think about the 3 fold cord not easily being broken.)One more oxygen atom creates a shield that wraps around out planet, and keeps us from burning into a crisp. How amazing!

Did you know that ozone can also be made when electricity zips through the air, like lightning? The world’s biggest ozone ‘factory’ is located in Venezuela, around Lake Maracaibo. A place where it storms about 300 days each year. Lightning strikes an average of 28 strikes per minute, up to 3600 bolts per hour, or one per second. It’s known as Catatumbo lightning, and the storm is so powerful that it can be seen up to 250 miles away. All of that lightning creating ozone.

While reading about the ozone, I couldn’t help but relate it to Jesus being a shield around our lives. When we say yes to Jesus, we are no longer walking alone. He joins our life creating a shield around us. He saves us. He wraps his goodness around us.

How much more can we relate this example to Jesus being shield that wraps around us in the storms of life. The bigger and badder the storm, the more ‘ozone’ created around us keeping us, protecting us, fighting for us. The bigger the storm, the more he can be seen. 

Sure Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were different than the rest.  But it wasn’t until they were thrown in the fiery furnace that the fourth man was seen literally walking with them. 

I don’t know about you, but I find great comfort in knowing Jesus is walking with me, fighting for me, and a wall of protection around me. Life throws storms to EVERYONE, but, as a child of God, we have hope. We have help. And he can be seen in every part of our lives.

“For I, smith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.”  -Zechariah 2:5

ECCLESIASTES 11

Chapter 11.  Only one more chapter left in the book of Ecclesiastes. This chapter has more great nuggets for life. Solomon's gift was his great wisdom.  I want to take those nuggets that he has shared and hold them close to my heart. I want to remember them for my own life.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. I can't help but think of that little phrase when I read the first 2 verses in chapter 11. In Courtney Joseph's bible study, Ecclesiastes Wisdom for Living Well, she writes about how some commentaries explain 'cast thy bread up the water' as merchant trading. When sending your crops out on the seas, you never knew what the waters would hold.  There could be smooth sailing or there could be storms at sea and your crops could be lost. The outcome of sending your ship out at sea was and is completely unpredictable.  Solomon says not put all your 'bread' or grain on one ship. Split it up on 7 or 8 ships to help ensure you end up with some return for your labor. Still some risk involved of losing some or maybe even all, but chances are at least a few ships will make it safely. Greater odds of receiving a return on your investment. 

Verses 3-6 continue telling us that there are risk involved in life, but the risk are not an excuse to not get up and try.  You cannot always wait for the perfect timing or perfect conditions.  It might look like rain, but if you don't get out and sow, there will be nothing to reap. 'As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.' (vs 5) Get up each morning, find work for your hands to do. You do not know the end result in the beginning, but when God blesses the work of your hand, no rain, no wind, no man can cause it to fail.

It is the same with our spiritual growth.  If you are waiting for the perfect time to read your Bible, you will not find it.  If you are waiting for the perfect time to pray, you will not pray. Things will come up and try to prevent you from helping others.  Things will happen to try to stop you from working in the ministry God has for your life. You cannot allow the 'rain' and 'winds' of life to hinder us. We have to get up and take the time.  If we don't, our growth will be stunted.  We will become weak and we will be doomed to fall. You will reap from the time you put in learning, talking to, and loving Jesus. You will reap benefits that are out of this world!

I just love verse 5!!  I know I already wrote it out, but I have to go back to that verse. Man tends to think he has a hold on this life.  They are puffed up with knowledge.  But the miracle of life cannot be figured out. They cannot cause life to start. Only God can give that breath of life.  Man cannot cause bones to grow in the womb. Only God can do that miracle.  He is the Creator after all. The maker of all. The giver of life. I LOVE that!!

Psalm 90:12 says, 'Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.' Solomon encourages us to rejoice in everyday (verses 7-10), but reminds us to keep a long-range perspective. Our lives are short and full of good times, hard times, and flat out bad times. Thankfully what ever time you are in right now, is not the end.  Our short lives have seasons, but after this vapor of seasons there is eternity. What I am sowing in life now will determine my eternity. Let's work daily at being faithful, seeking God's wisdom, being obedient to the Lord, and working hard. Rejoice in the life you have, stay away from evil, cling to Jesus. 

Ecclesiastes continuously speaks of vexation of the spirit. Is there anything in your life causing turmoil? Are you upset, angry, bitter, worried, anxious, depressed, resentful, unhappy? Those are sure signs of a vexed spirit. One on one time with God is the cure for a vexed spirit. Sometimes our focus has to be changed, our thought process needs to be put in check. Philippians 4:6-7 says, 'Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things:'. What are you thinking on?

ECCLESIASTES 10

When you set out to do something for the Lord, be prepared for the devil to fight. This journey through Ecclesiastes has taken longer than I had planned.  I am finally sitting down to write on chapter 10 of Ecclesiastes. I started with such zeal to share God's word with you.  The zeal has remained, but not long into starting this journey we faced some circumstances that made it necessary for me to seek God in keeping my heart right and not allowing the frustration of those circumstances to come out in my posts. I couldn't allow myself to just jump the gun and write everything that came to mind.  While there would have been great truths, it wouldn't have always come from right motives. I am very opinionated and I have a heart that likes to fix things. Getting older has taught me that it isn't always my role to be the fixer. And as much as I hate to admit it, my great opinions don't always seem to help or change things. The devil works hard at side tracking us from our goal on a daily basis. It is a daily walk with Jesus to keep this mortal man focused. I am excited to finally be sitting down and sharing my heart with you about chapter 10 in Ecclesiastes.  Let's make it a daily goal to ask Jesus to help us keep our focus on the eternal, on things 'above the sun'. It takes Godly wisdom to handle life's circumstances. This chapter gives us some great advice on behaving ourselves wisely.

I have to be completely honest.  I read verse one about 5 times and wondered what in the world was meant by ' dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour'.  I have read Ecclesiastes plenty of times and for some reason that has never stood out to me.  What does he mean by that? So, I pulled out my dictionary and searched online to learn about apothecary and why oil is used and where the flies would be coming from with the process. The dictionary says that apothecary is one that practices pharmacy. It also says that in the middle ages an apothecary was the keeper of any shop. The Biblical Illustrator listed on studylight.org gave a little more history. I really liked what the writer had to say.  It is lengthy, but I think it sheds light to what is being said in verse one. It actually goes into further depth, but I am sharing the following portion of the text:

 "Among the Jews, oil rendered fragrant by being mixed with precious drugs was used for many different purposes. With it priests and kings were anointed when they entered upon their offices, guests at the tables of the rich were treated to it as a luxury. It was used medicinally for outward application to the bodies of the sick; and with it corpses, and the clothes in which they were wrapped, were besprinkled before burial. Very great care was needed in the preparation of the material used for such special purposes. Elaborately confected as the ointment was, it was easily spoiled and rendered worthless. It was accordingly necessary not only to take great pains in making it, but also in preserving it from contamination when made. A dead fly would soon corrupt the ointment, and turn it into a pestilent odour. So says the Preacher, a noble and attractive character may be corrupted and destroyed by a little folly; an insignificant-looking fault or weakness may outweigh great gifts and attainments. The fault which shows itself in a character is not like a stain or flaw in a marble statue, which is confined to one spot, and is no worse after the lapse of years, but like a sore in a living body, which weakens and may destroy the whole organism. One cause why evil influence spreads is that we are not on our guard against it, and it may grow to almost ungovernable strength before we are really convinced that there is any danger. We can recognize at once great errors and heinous vices, and the alarm and disgust they excite prepare us to resist them; but the little follies and weaknesses often fill us with an amused contempt for them which blinds us to their great power for evil. So numerous are the sources from which danger arises, that a long list might be made of the little sins by which the characters of many good men and women are often marred: indolence, selfishness, love of ease, procrastination, indecision, rudeness, irritability, oversensitiveness to praise or blame, vanity, boastfulness, talkativeness, love of gossip, undue laxity, undue severity, want of self-control over appetites and passions, obstinacy, parsimony. Numerous though these follies are, they may be reduced into two great classes--faults of weakness and faults of strength."

So, great emphasis is given on how a little folly can ruin your reputation. Webster's Dictionary says folly is a 'weakness of intellect',  'a weak or absurd act not highly criminal', or 'an absurd act which is highly sinful; any conduct contrary to the laws of God or man.'  Solomon warns in Song of Solomon 2:15, 'Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.'

Only God knows who we really are in the deep secret places of our hearts. Eventually, what is in your heart will be acted upon. It is so important to allow Jesus to shape and mold our lives. Allow him to change those things in our hearts that need to be changed.  Search your heart.  What direction are you being led in your life right now? Your life will go in the direction of your heart. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.' We must submit ourselves fully to the Lord.

In verse 4 Solomon talks about dealing with an angry ruler.  He says not to yield to that spirit of anger. That advice is not only great for dealing with angry rulers.  It is great every day advice when confronted with anger or the temptation to get angry. Don't yield!! It will only bring great offences. Be determined be calm and practice self control.  You may find yourself surprised at the peaceful resolution.

Verses 5-7 continue talking about the potential for leaders to not always be wise.  Sometimes the foolish rule and the rich men sit in low places. We will not always understand the why or how of circumstances or positions. No circumstance we go through, nothing we can acquire (no matter how great or how little) will ever be anything without God. When God uses what little we have, it becomes all we could ever need or even want.

I love Solomon's nuggets of wisdom. In verses 8 and 9 he talks about the potential to get hurt while working. A lot of places of employment have safety meetings. Meetings with a purpose of reminding you to use a little wisdom while working to save yourself some hurt down the road. Taking the little bit of extra time to do things safely can save yourself a lot of pain and save your employer a lot of money.  Verse 10 says, 'If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength; but wisdom is profitable to direct.' A wise worker sharpens that dull ax before using it. It may take a little more time, but it will help you out a lot when getting the job done. A little bit of wisdom goes a long way. 

We can also look at verse 10 and ask ourselves if there is an area in our lives that is feeling dull or worn out. What areas do we need to allow the Lord to sharpen?  What areas are we not allowing him to take care of  and wearing ourselves out trying to do it alone? Maybe we need some alone time with our Lord to sharpen our edges.  Maybe it is time for a lunch date with a great Christian friend to help sharpen your ax. We need the Lord and we need each other. It sure helps us in our journey.

Verse 11 teaches us that running our mouth can get us in trouble.  Webster defines babbling as 'idle talk, telling secrets, foolish talk.'  2 Timothy 2:16-17 says, ' But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker:' Matthew 12:36-37 says, 'But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy works though shalt be condemned.' Boy, if that isn't something to think on!

'The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.' (vs 12-15) What do our words prove in our own lives? Are our words kind, gracious, humble, encouraging, full of truth, full of love?  Are we building others up or are we tearing them down?  Proverbs 12:13-18 says, 'The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. They way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.' We must guard our hearts and we must watch our words. What comes out of our mouths is our daily walking, talking testimony. Verse 20 also deals with guarding our tongue. We may think things are said in secret, but if it comes out of our mouth it will  end up with  'wings' and it will be told. Lord help us to cautiously guard our tongues.

Verses 16-19 again deal with leadership. Solomon contrast strong and weak leadership. Solomon was young when he inherited the role as king and he knew the importance of wisdom in ruling.  Strong, effective leadership is not lazy. We do not want our lives to have idle words or idle hands. We are children of the most high King. We want to be excellent examples for his kingdom and for his glory.

It isn't always easy.  Some days it is a full time job to keep my very opinionated opinions to myself. My idle words will not do God's kingdom any good. Some days I don't feel like doing anything, but I cannot just sit around and do nothing all day. It just doesn't work that way.  We have a work to do. We have daily work to do that tells loudly who we are and is a direct reflection of  our Father. Your life speaks louder than your words.

Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule the people and God granted is request. Solomon's heart was in the right place at that moment and because of his request, blessings were brought on the entire nation of Israel during Solomon's reign. What blessings will you bring to your family, co-workers, neighbors, friends, or even your county? 

ECCLESIASTES 9

Chapter 9 begins Solomon's final conclusion of all he has searched out under the sun. He begins chapter 9 reminding us that all men, (the good and the bad, the righteous and the foolish, the rich and the poor, the clean and the unclean, those who sacrifice and those who do not sacrifice) ALL men (as in all humans) have the same end, death.  The first part of Hebrews 9:27 tells us that 'it is appointed unto men once to die'. There is no escaping it.

Solomon concluded, just like we read about in the days of Noah, that men's hearts are full of evil while they live. Verse 4 brings a glimmer of our view 'above the sun': 'For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope:'.  Why should we take advantage of that time of hope? Because the end of Hebrews 9:27 tells us that after our appointment with death, comes judgment. Once we close our eyes in death, there is no more laboring 'under the sun'.  There is no more time to get things right or make amends. While we are living, there is still hope of getting our hearts right with our Creator. Jesus died and rose again so that we could have hope. That should make us shout!

Solomon tells us to be full of joy and to keep a merry heart. He tells us several times through the book of Ecclesiastes to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It is a gift from God. God wants us to enjoy the life he has given us. Life is uncertain. We all face difficult times.  Enjoy the good times!

I cannot go through this chapter and not well point out verses 9! 'Live joyfully with the wife who thou lovest all the days of the life of they vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.' Husbands, love your wives and live joyfully with them. Wives, love your husbands and be a wife your husband can enjoy. ❤  You are God's gift to each other in this life.

Verse 10 says, 'Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, wither thou goest.' Reading it brings to remembrance Colossians 3:23, 'And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.' Don't look at your job as just making it to pay day.  Don't look at washing that umpteenth load of laundry as just putting clean close on your family. Do everything just like you are doing it for the Lord, because you really are doing it unto the Lord. This walk is all about you and God. The attitude I have on the work place and the attitude I have taking care of my household, is the attitude I am giving the Lord. The way I treat my husband, children, parents, neighbor, boss, and even the grouchy lady in the grocery store, is how I am treating my Heavenly Father.  Sometimes, we sure need his help with that, don't we? 

I like how the Life Application Bible breaks down verse eleven. 'It isn't difficult to think of cases where the swiftest or the strongest don't win, the wise remain poor, and the skillful are unknown for their talents. Some see such examples and call life unfair, and they are right. Mankind has twisted life, making it what God did not intend. Solomon is trying to reduce our expectations of this imperfect world. The book of Proverbs emphasizes how life would go if everyone acted fairly; Ecclesiastes explains what often happens in our less than perfect world. We must keep our perspective by remembering that we live in a fallen world. Don't let the inequities of life keep your from earnest, dedicated work. It is God we serve, not people.'

We read in verses 13-16 of a wise man who saved a little city from a great and powerful king.  And yet in such a huge accomplishment, the wise man never received recognition. He wasn't even remembered. Solomon still found that wisdom was better than strength, even without the recognition. God sees it all and he keeps a great record. I love how the Ecclesiastes Wisdom for Living Well Bible Study  put it: 'There are many Biblically wise people who go without recognition or reward every single day. They serve in our churches, schools, communities and on the mission field. They serve the sick and the hungry. They love and listen and take meals to those who need comforted. they counsel, lead children's Sunday school classes, mentor teens and open their homes for fellowship. the world does not call these people wise but they are the wisest of all. They value what God values and though there are few rewards for them here on earth, on day God will reward them.'

'The words of the wise men are heard in the quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.' - Ecclesiastes 9:17-18

ECCLESIASTES 8

'Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.' -Ecclesiastes 8:1

'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.' -Proverbs 9:10

'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.' -Matthew 5:16

'A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine.' I LOVE that statement. Reading that reminded me of Moses coming off the mountain and his face shining so brightly that it had to be covered. Moses didn't notice the change in his appearance, but everyone around him noticed. The presence of the Lord made his face to shine. You cannot be in the presence of the Lord without being changed.

Wisdom comes from the Lord. 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.' Daily time with Jesus is a critical part of our daily walk. It is life changing! The writer of the Ecclesiastes Wisdom for Living Well Bible Study wrote: 'Just as a child is a reflection of his parents, we reflect our relationship to our Father God by displaying His wisdom in our lives. Our time spent with the Lord will not only affect our physical appearance, but our character, our attitude, and our daily walk with Christ as we obey His Word, and share it with others.'

If you know us, you know without any doubt that my kids look just like their Daddy. I don't know about you, but when people look at me, even without me having to say a word, I want them to know that I am a child of God. I want my life to reflect my Father. AND then, when I do open my mouth, I still want to reflect my Father.

In verses 2-9, Solomon is talking about being obedient to those in authority. Something that seems to be foreign in this day. It is a sermon in and of itself.  God has set an order to things. We are to respect that God given order. Romans 13 also hits on being obedient  to those in authority. I am just putting that out there in case you want to go read it. 😊

Verse 8 is a reminder that even though there are to obey those in authority, we must also remember that God is the ultimate authority. God is the one who has power over the spirit. Man, even in authority, has a limit. 'There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.' (vs 8)

When we read verses 11-14, we see Solomon pondering something we have all pondered at some point. Why do good people struggle/hurt/leave us too soon, while the wicked seem to go unpunished? The wicked think they are fine because they have not faced a penalty and they keep on doing evil. We, as Christians, sometimes even ask God how long until he makes them answer for their wickedness.  We can be left with so many unanswered questions at times. Never doubt that God IS keeping a record. We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ one day. 'Though a sinner do evil and hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.' (vs 12-13)

Solomon closes chapter 8 with this verse: 'Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.' (vs 17) Who can understand the beginning from the end? Who alone knows ALL things? We can try to figure it all out and search out every way 'under the sun', but we will be left empty and still troubled in our spirits. The work of God is beyond human comprehension. He alone is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is our God and there is none like HIM.

ECCLESIASTES 7

'A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth'  -Ecclesiastes 7:1

Solomon tells us in the first part of verse 1 that a good name 'is better than precious ointment'. We meet a lot of people along life's journey. There are some names we hear that (let's just be honest) make our eyes roll. There are names we hear that bring a smile. Other names can bring laughter or even tears. The choices we make in life build our name. The way we treat people are building blocks in building a good name. How can you build a good name? A good name is important for a child of God. We are representing our Father after all.

The second half of verse 1 makes a statement that can potentially catch you off guard. Why or How could death be better than birth? The contrasts of what we view as happy times and sad times continue through verse 4. Solomon says it is better to 'go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting'; and that 'sorrow is better than laughter'. What in the world? Who would rather mourn than feast? And who would prefer sorrow over laughter? 

I took those statements and referred back to the first part of verse one.  It takes some living to build a good name. On the day of our birth, our physical characteristics are seen, but what is in our hearts (our character) will be a continual process through life.  A process through the good times and the bad times of life, and from the day to day choices we make.  Our character is built by either hardening our hearts or by allowing God to keep our hearts tender. It reminds me of how my Heavenly Father is my Potter and I am the work of his hand. The goal is that the day I leave this world (my dying day), that I am a finished work. My life is a process of being molded. The molding (sometime even remolding) and refining process is not comfortable, but it makes for a beautiful vessel. Solomon already told us that there is a season for everything. I want to allow the sorrowful times and the times of mourning in my life to be seasons that shape me into the beautiful vessel God wants me to be for his glory. I want him to be proud of me when I stand before him. It is well summed up in verse 8, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."

Verse 9 gives a warning, 'Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.' We have to have self control.  As a mom of boys, I feel like I harp on this daily with them. And I honestly have to work on it with myself as well. ☺ You cannot control everything that comes your way in life, but you can control how you react. People are watching your life to see just how you react to the different circumstances that come your way.  Are you quick to give people a piece of your mind? Do you have a short fuse? You are never and 'off duty' Christian. Who do your represent with are your actions? Your life radiates someone. Am I drawing people to the Savior or turning them away?

'Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.'  (vs 11-12)  I think, that Godly wisdom is to knowledge what the soul is to the human body. It is that thing you can't see or completely explain, but without it, we have no life. We read in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that 'Godly wisdom worketh repentance.' True repentance transforms your life.

I like what the Benson Commentary says about verses 11-12: 'Wisdom is good — That is, very good; the positive being put for the superlative, as it frequently is in the Hebrew text; with an inheritance — When wisdom and riches meet in one man, it is a happy conjunction, for wisdom without riches wants opportunities and instruments of doing that good in the world which it is willing and desirous of doing; and riches without wisdom are like a sword in a madman’s hand, and an occasion of much sin and mischief both to himself and others. And by it there is profit — By wisdom joined with riches there comes great benefit to them that see the sun — That is, to mortal men; not only to a man’s self, but many others who live with him in this world. For wisdom is a defence — Hebrew, is a shadow; which in Scripture signifies both protection and refreshment; and money is a defence — Thus far wisdom and money agree; but the excellency of knowledge — But herein knowledge or wisdom excels riches, that whereas riches frequently expose men to destruction, true wisdom doth often preserve a man from temporal, and always from eternal ruin.'

'Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?' (vs 13) We cannot change what God has set in order. He made worlds without end. He is the beginning and the end. The first and the last. He set it all in motion. God is in control of it all. And yet he made us with a free will.  Our free will can bring us life, or eternal torment.  Godly wisdom tells us to look to God for our direction in life and for our purpose in life. It also tells us that this vapor of a life we all live here, is not the end. This life is not eternity. It is preparation for eternity. My daily goal should be to allow him to have complete control in my life. I want Jesus to have free reign in my heart. 

God sets balance in our lives by allowing good times and trying times. If there were only good times, we may get high minded and think we have life by the horns. Trying times tend to remind us that we really can't do life without Jesus. Both prosperity and adversity are blessings in our lives. Verse 14 says, 'In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.' It reminds me of the song we sometimes sing, 'There is none like you! Jesus, no one else can touch my heart like you do.  I could search for all eternity long and find, there is none like you.'

The rest of this chapter tends to bring us back down to reality. It remind us of our human nature. In our quest for wisdom, we do not want to become self-righteous. Self-righteousness is a stench in the nostrils of God. We will never know as God knows. 'For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.' ( 1 Corinthians 13:12) 'Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in a city.' (vs 19) Now comes the balance to verse 19, 'For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.' (vs 20) Romans 3:23 reminds us that 'all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' We are flesh and 'the carnal mind is enmity against God'. (Romans 8:7) We are easily side tracked and start chasing the wind. Solomon allowed women to distract his heart from the Lord. Verse 29 says men seek out many inventions. We must come aside daily and spend time with our Lord. Paul said it best in 1 Corinthians 15:31, 'I die daily.'

Ecclesiastes 6

Chapter 6 is a short chapter that further goes into how life 'under the sun' is meaningless. It seems to be a continuation of chapter 5. Solomon starts this chapter saying, 'There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:'. T his phrase makes me stop and think.  If there is an evil which is common to man (humans), I need to be careful.  I need to take pay careful attention to what is being said so that I do not fall into this 'evil which is common to man'. Solomon has spent 6 chapters now explaining how nothing but emptiness comes from searching for fulfillment 'under the sun'. I don't know about you, but I want my soul to be full.  I don't want to be left empty. I want to live the life that God sent me here to live.

We have read how the rich and the poor have the same end.  The wise and the foolish have the same end as well. Chapter five even went into the labor of our hands still leaving us empty. Verse 7 of chapter 6 says, 'All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.' The things 'under the sun' that we put our hearts towards, leave us empty and troubled in our spirit. Our Spiritual life needs to be nurtured. We have to look ABOVE the sun, to the creator of worlds without end to find meaning in our lives.

Solomon ends this chapter with questions.  I am going to leave you with the same questions. I want you to really think on these verses because rest of our journey through Ecclesiastes will be Solomon giving Godly wisdom for our lives. Who would know better than our CREATOR himself on how to live a meaningful life?

 'That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he. Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better? For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?' (vs 10-12)

ECCLESIASTES 5

I didn't post anything last week.  As most of you know I am a work from home Mom of 4 and things sometimes get CrAzY, to put it mildly.  We are back in the school routine, homework, two boys are playing football, one is involved in 4H, we have church 3 days a week (4 services total), we have started calving season on the farm, and then just random activities or obligations that come up. We love our crazy busy life. My crazy busy life may also be one of the reasons I love the book of Ecclesiastes. It helps bring your focus back to what makes it all worth while. None of it would be possible or even exist without God.

So, I want to dive in at the very beginning, verse one.  'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.' Solomon has words of wisdom for when we are in God's house. We want to go in to church with our hearts prepared to hear from God. In order to really hear, we have to listen. When I want my kids' full attention, I want eye contact with them.  I want their mouths closed and their ears open. I want them to hear me, and I want what I am saying to go deep into their hearts. I feel like it is the same way in the house of God and even in our daily walk with God.  There needs to be time where we can just focus on hearing from him. That is not to say that while we are in church we are to never open our mouths. That just isn't the case, we know because we read in Psalm that God inhabits our praise. My Dad preached a beautiful message on order in the church over the weekend and I feel like it fits perfectly with what is being said in verses 1 and 2. So, my advice is to further expand on these verses by reading 1 Corinthians 14.

Solomon warns us about the seriousness of making promises, or vows in verses 3-7. It is better to not to make a vow than to make one and break it. Just like in life, we shouldn't be hasty in the moment to make promises we can't keep or have no intention of keeping.  Vows could deal with money, gifts, our time, or anything.  We may mean well, but a little extra thought may let us know that there is no way we could follow through. Don't be hasty in your words. Walk in the fear of the Lord.

The rest of this chapter deals again with the emptiness of riches. The Bible spends a lot of time on this very matter. Solomon spends a lot of time on this subject. He of all people to ever live knew first hand and his riches were a part of his blessing from God. I have seen people without money have such a love for it that they lose sight of what is really important in life. It is not always in having riches that we err. God has to be first in all that we do.  We have to keep a God focus. Nothing we build up here will go with us when we go.  'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.' (vs 15) Matthew 6:19-21 tells us to store up our treasures in heaven. 

Verse 12 was my favorite in this chapter, 'The sleep of the laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.' I know first hand how a hard day of work brings a great night of sleep. I also see it with my husband all the time. He evens falls asleep mid sentence some nights. ☺ God is not against working. He is actually very much for working, but even in laboring/working, we have to have a correct perspective. 'Whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.' ( Colossians 3:23-24)

ECCLESIASTES 4

In chapter 4 of Ecclesiastes Solomon is still looking at the emptiness of life. In verse 1 he compares the oppressed with those who do the oppressing and he sees that neither have a comforter. And he thinkst to himself that the dead are better off because they could neither oppress or be oppressed.  The one who could not witness the evil 'under the sun' was better off in Solomon's eyes.

I looked up the word oppress and Webster's Dictionary has the following meanings: 'To load or burden with imposition; ...to compel to perform unreasonable service. To overpower.' As a Christian, what should our response be to oppression in the world?

We have a comforter! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says:

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Verse 4 begins a look at the travail of the wise and foolish, the laborer and the lazy. We are not to envy our neighbor, it is one of the 10 commandments. We are not in competition to see if we can do better or gain more than the next man. That is pointless and sinful. Our selfish drive to be #1 takes away from God's glory. In comparison, we are also NOT to be lazy. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 tells us if we don't work, we don't eat. It doesn't get more plain. We have to evaluate ourselves. Extremes are foolish, irresponsible, and have consequences that we will leave you empty.

In verse 6 we see what Solomon's view. 'Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.' Proverbs 15:16 (also written by Solomon) says, 'Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.'  What is your drive?  What are your motives? Are you troubled in your spirit? It may be time to evaluate the heart.  We have to keep ourselves in constant check. 1 Timothy 6:6 tells us, 'but godliness with contentment is great gain.' Are we doing ALL things for the glory of our Father? Nothing built up 'under the sun' is going to last. Nothing we gain in this world will ever fully satisfy.  We will take NOTHING with us when we go. Those things we can lay up in heaven should have our focus. Let's keep a God focus. Let's not be as the one described in verse 8, 'yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches;''. Solomon describes this as vanity and 'a sore travail'(empty and painful).

In verse 9, we start reading about relationships.  I loved reading verses 9-12. I can relate it to my own life. I lived on my own before my husband and I got married. I know first hand how much better two are than one! We work together to take care of our responsibilities.  It makes the load easier on both of us. We  have always encouraged each other when needed. I have found that there are some tough times that come along with running a business. That foundation we built from the beginning to encourage and uplift have come in so many times along this journey.  When we hit a hard time, it is never both of us ready to give up at the same time. One of us will encourage the other and then the very next week, our roles may be reversed in encouraging the other. We couldn't do it alone. Verse 11 is pretty self explanatory.  We keep each other warm. :) And (vs 12) when it seems something or someone comes against us, we will not be conquered because not only do we have each other, we have Jesus as that 3 cord. Marriage is a beautiful thing!

These same verses can be viewed for friendships as well. There are beautiful friendships portrayed in God's word. Moses and Aaron, David and Jonathon, Ruth and Naomi are just a few. The point is that we are not made to be alone or isolated. We are stronger together.

Verses 13-16 appears to tell a short story of a poor wise child and a foolish king. For some reason the poor wise child had been in prison.  The old king had inherited his own riches and his position as king, and for some reason he became foolish. The foolish king lost it all and the poor wise child became king. He goes on in verses 15 and 16 and makes the point that there is no end of people and while some earn great wealth and build great kingdoms while they are here, when they are gone the wealth, riches, position(or name) gets passed down. Generations to come do not always appreciate the hard work put into the wealth or position gained and they waste it away foolishly.  A reminder that we take NOTHING with us when we go. This is also a warning that things gained without labor will slip quickly through your fingers and leave you empty and troubled in your spirit. Let everything you do be done for the glory of the Lord.

ECCLESIASTES 3:16-22

Ecclesiates 3:16-22 is definitely something to think on.  I am going to post all of it because I want it to sink in to your heart.  We can see our day even in Ecclesiastes.  A reminder that there is 'nothing new under the sun'.

6 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Solomon looked under the sun and in the 'place of judgement' there was wickedness and even in the 'place of righteousness' he saw iniquity.  Wickedness and iniquity in places that should represent justice and holiness. How disappointing! Not only disappointing for Solomon to see, but disappointing to know that this is also the case in our own day.  We must never forget that God is watching.  He sees it all and one day he will righteously judge every man's works.

How many times as a Child of God have you said in your heart about a friend, a loved one, or just people in the world, 'Lord, show them that they can see what they are doing.  Open their eyes to see the truth. Solomon did that too.  It is recorded in verse eighteen. Our heart's without God are wicked. Solomon compares the sons of men to beasts and goes on to explain that just like the beast, we all end the same, with death. So, from an 'under the sun' view man is no different than the beast of the field.  But we know from God's word that our spirit man does not end with death. 'Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  Wherefore we labor, that to be present or absent, we may be accepted of him.' (2 Corinthians 5:6-9) 

I love how the Bible Study, Ecclesiastes Wisdom for Living Well, concludes this lesson.  "Little girls dream of prince charming whisking them away, on a white horse, to live happily ever after. Dreams do come true!"  We read about it in Revelation 19:

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1-15

This chapter covers a lot.  So, today I am looking at verses 1-15.  We start with verse 1 that says, 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:'. So, yes, this season you are walking through is serving a purpose in your life. There are 28 seasons described is the first 8 verses:

A time to be born - A time to die

A time to plant - A time to pluck up 

A time to kill - A time to heal

A time to break down - A time to build up

A time to weep -  A time to laugh

A time to mourn - A time to dance

A time to cast away stones - A time to gather stones

A time to embrace - A time to refrain from embracing

A time to get - A time to lose

A time to keep - A time to cast away

A time to rend - A time to sew

A time to keep silent - A time to speak

A time to love - A time to hate

A time of war - A time of peace

The first 2 seasons brought to our attention are life and death. A time to be born and a time to die. We have no control over when we are born and we will all face death at some point. This mortal man cannot inherit the kingdom of God.  Psalm 139:13-16 tells us that our substance was not hid from him, even from the moment of conception his eyes were on us, and HE formed us.  We read in Psalm 31:15 that our time is in God's hands.  Ephesians 5:15-16 warns us to walk circumspectly (cautiously, desiring to avoid mistakes and bad choices/consequences) and to be wise with the time we are given.

We have seasons naturally, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.  Most of us have our favorite season, and then most of us have seasons that we cannot wait to see pass.  Personally, there are things in every season that I love and probably something in every season that I could just do without.  But without each season, even nature would be drastically different. The harder seasons are followed by beautiful life. We know that tree roots grow deeper during the winter.  Flowers are prettier in the springs followed by a snowy winter. The list of seasons given in chapter 5 are about half good and half not so desirable from the fleshly man's view point.  Some seasons are very hard and other seasons are very welcomed.  One thing is very certain, no matter what season you are in right now, your season will change. Change is inevitable. Our seasons in life bring spiritual growth, if we allow it.  

One thing that never changes, during any season of our lives, is the fact that God is always with us. The Holy Spirit is a promise to the children of God.  The Holy Spirit stays with us, helps us, and comforts us during every season of life.  God has a plan in every season of your life.

We have heard the first part verse 11 tons of times.  It is a beautiful! 'He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:'. The verse doesn't end there.  It goes on to say, ' also he that set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.' Some other translations interpret  it to say 'he hath set eternity in their hearts.' I love how the Life Application Bible breaks this verse down. It says:

'This means that we can never be completely  satisfied with earthly pleasures and pursuits. Because we are created in God's image, (1) we have a spiritual thirst, (2) we have eternal value, and (3) nothing but the eternal God can truly satisfy us. God has built in us a restless yearning for the kind of perfect world that can only be found in his perfect rule. He has given us a glimpse of the perfection of his creation. But it is only a glimpse; we cannot see into the future or comprehend everything. So we must trust God now and do his work on earth.'

It was in Solomon.  It is in me.  I believe it is in us all.  A longing that we search high and low for, but NOTHING below the sun can satisfy. A restless yearning that has been placed deep in our hearts by God alone. It is a homesick feeling that only God can satisfy. Our goal, is to make sure we are looking to God alone to fill that thirst.  

We get to verses 12-14 and it is like suddenly Solomon has a revelation.  He says, 'I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.' 

I do not have to have the wealth and knowledge of Solomon to enjoy this 'gift of God'. I believe the point here is that God wants us to enjoy life. If we keep our focus ABOVE THE SUN (God first. God focused.), we will find that real pleasure is found in enjoying whatever we have as gifts from God. 

ECCLESIASTES 2:12-26

Solomon is troubled in his spirit in these verses because he finds that even though it is better to be wise than foolish, in the end the wise and the foolish die. In verse 16, he is seems distraught at the thought of not being remembered. After all, he has built, labored, and known, he doesn't want to be forgotten. The truth, no matter how great you may be in this life, after a few generations, we will all be forgotten. In most cases, no matter what was gained in our lifespan, will soon be gone after being divided among heirs on down the road. There may be things recorded in history books or even memorials made, but after those are gone who really knew us, the real 'us' will no longer be remembered. 

After allowing those thoughts to trouble him, Solomon decides in verse 18 that he hated all the labor he had taken 'under the sun.' Not only is it all temporary, but he can't even take it with him. We read in the Bible that the pleasures of sin last but for a season. In Ecclesiastes we find that the pleasures (things that in and of themselves are not sin) found in this world only last a season as well.

Finally, in verses 24-26, we see Solomon begin to look ABOVE the sun.

“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” 

Love that glimmer of hope. Perspective is introduced here.

"It is the simple things. Eating, drinking, and working, those come from the hand of God. These are good things. These are daily mercies that should bring us pleasure. We do not go chasing every rainbow! We can come around the dinner table with family or friends and be refreshed. We can relax in the evening after a hard day of honest work and be content. Enjoyment comes from the hand of God." - Ecclesiastes Wisdom for Living Well