Free Reading Plans and Devotionals related to Ecclesiastes 7:4

Americans have always turned to the Bible for wisdom to live together. We argue over how to read and use it, but the Bible has helped shape our values and institutions. In this plan, you will read the Bible as a freedom text alongside five voices from our past, focused on the value of Hope. Discover fresh takes on the Bible, and inspiration for facing today’s challenges.

Though the book of Ecclesiastes was written long ago, the author’s message couldn’t be more relevant. His ancient voice of despair is echoed by countless intellectual and cultural elites in our era. Yet into this darkness, the beauty of truth shines. In this five-day study, you will learn that while life “under the sun” is meaningless, life under God is truly and deeply meaningful.

Our world tells us that we can find meaning and satisfaction in our work, relationships, success, and more. But in reality, all of those things ultimately fail us and let us down. Only Jesus can give our lives true purpose and provide us with the lasting joy, life, and satisfaction we so desperately crave.

We all have a common denominator. We will die. I will die. You will die. Death will defeat you. You won’t be able to dodge it, sidestep it, trick it or make it disappear. But then there is Jesus, the man who defeated the grave. Jesus stood toe to toe with the grave and defeated death. When Jesus talks, the grave speaks.

Life rarely goes the way we plan for it to go. Financial stability fluctuates, sickness sets in, death takes its toll. Changing circumstances may cause us to doubt God’s good purpose for everything he ordains. Yet, even in the midst of trials and suffering, God beckons us to himself. Over the next seven days, hear from pastor Dave Furman, author of Kiss the Wave, as he encourages us to run to—and not away from—the God of our circumstances.

We all have our little morning habits. We could also call them routines, the first things we do in the morning. Throughout these seven days, I’d like to propose a series about these first moments, these first actions, these first thoughts of our days. We will discover how we can create habits to develop our spiritual growth.

God created us to find meaning in our lives. But we live in a broken world where we’re continually frustrated in our search. So, what’s the point of living life? This is the question the Teacher in Ecclesiastes is asking. At first, the message of this wisdom book seems to lead to despair, but in fact points to the hope of life found in God alone.

Written by an elderly King Solomon, Ecclesiastes reflects on a life of meaningless pursuits. Solomon writes that the world's pursuits, from wealth to self-indulgence, are vain and unfulfilling. Ecclesiastes determines that God and his presence make life fulfilling, and true wisdom is to fear God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Ecclesiastes is tough to read! The author, Solomon, is deeply reflective and concludes that everything is meaningless. Interestingly, these words are still relatable three thousand years later. Is everything meaningless? Why is this book in the Bible? Study the book of Ecclesiastes with the Story Bible guide, exploring what it meant when it was first written and what it means to us today.

Every journey requires supplies. On the journey of life, some of the best supplies are God’s Word and a bit of encouragement from friends. This Our Daily Journey reading plan features 30 days of writing from trusted authors whose insights speak into your life. Each short devotional contains a story supported by multiple Scripture references as well as a “Next” section to help you think more deeply. Make the most of your devotional time with truth and encouragement from Our Daily Journey.

Daily Bible Reading is designed to facilitate consistent interaction with Scripture. It includes background information on each day’s Scripture passage, a key verse for meditation, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into Scripture, a prayer and prayer concern to help you connect to God and be of spiritual support to others. Journey with us this month as we explore the theme “God’s Word of Wisdom.”