What's the Point? (A Study in Ecclesiastes: Part 3)Sample

REMEMBER THAT LIFE IS FOR LIVING

After going into great detail about how ‘everything is meaningless,’ Q instructs us to seize the day and enjoy our lives now before our time runs out. He seems to know that this way of living might be challenging amid everyday life circumstances because verse 11:10 cautions us to “remove vexation (or anxiety) from your heart, and put away pain from your body.” The older we get, the more difficult we may find it is to embrace life fully. Time and trials weigh us down, and fears and frustrations distract us. What can we learn from Lamentations 3 and Matthew 6 to help us live our whole lives to the fullest, as Q suggests?

Ask Yourself: In what kinds of situations or seasons do you find it most difficult to rejoice? Are there current circumstances holding you back? How can you start to embrace your one earthly life more fully?

Pause to Pray: Yahweh-shalom, you are my peace. Help me to remember amid __________ that you will provide all that I need and that my hope rests in you. Help me to engage in this life that you gave me fully and to rejoice in it every single day. Amen.

Take the Next Step: Spend a little time thinking about any areas of your life where fear or frustration may be limiting your joy. Ask God to show you a step that you can take to remove that barrier.