Can you believe a brand-new year is here? I love the new year with a fresh start, but this time of year always causes me to reflect on the past year and try to set good goals for the new year. I guess I would say it can be a time of bittersweet. Out with the old and in with the new.
When I find myself in this kind of contemplative mood, I like to turn to Ecclesiastes. Solomon was wise and he offered a lot of wisdom in these twelve short chapters. Something we can all learn from and grow from.
Today I’d like to share some takeaways from Ecclesiastes, I hope that you’ll benefit from its insights during this season of transition.
1. Earthly knowledge and experiences cannot satisfy us
I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
Solomon had it all. He was king of Israel, possessed a mind-boggling amount of material wealth, and could pretty much do whatever he wanted. It turns out that none of that equals happiness. When I guiltily ask myself if I made the most of last year, if I really soaked up everything I could have and did I really experience everything to the fullest, I remind myself of this verse.
2. Success can save no one from the fate of all humans: death
The wise have eyes in their heads, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both. (Ecclesiastes 2:14)
Sorry if this just got really depressing — In this verse, Solomon discusses our pursuit of success and knowledge of the things of this world. He concludes that no matter what we gain in this life, we are all heading towards the same fate. That tells me that no matter who we are, what we have been through and what connections we may have in the end the same fate waits or us.
3. Worrying is useless!
What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23)
While the verse may seem like a downer, the message is a positive one: being anxious about the cares of this life (little or big) gets us nowhere. It is a waste of our time and energy. Yes, I know it is hard to abandon worry, but endeavoring to clear our lives of this toxic habit is worth the effort. Most the time I find it is the hardest things to do that make the biggest impact on my life.
4. God is the primary source of joy and pleasure in this life
This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25)
Without God, the meaningless Solomon keeps talking about can really start to feel hopeless. That is why we see so many hopeless people in the world today as they are trying to do life without God. With God, we can enjoy our lives on this earth, knowing that every blessing comes straight from Him, even if the times get rough.
5. We were made to crave more than this life can offer
He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
The truth is that God made us this way — unable to find true satisfaction from earthly pleasures, hungry for something eternal. This is how we find our way to Him, how we start our journey to heaven. God desires a relationship with us and he has placed that same desire within us we just mail fail to realize that is what it is we are searching for.
6. Justice will ultimately prevail
God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed. (Ecclesiastes 3:17)
This world is a grossly unjust place. It was in Solomon’s time, too. He discusses his frustration in watching evil continue without punishment, before uttering this reassurance: God will restore justice. No matter what it seems like from day to day, God is involved and attentive and committed to righteousness. We should be, as well.
7. Godly relationships make life sweeter
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
Solomon spends time in chapter four discussing the beauty of friendship and the richness that human connection can give to our lives. In the last verse of this section, Solomon mentions the “cord of three strands,” a concept often discussed in wedding ceremonies although does not only work for marriages, but it works for friendships, a prayer partner and any other relationship we decide to allow to take place in our life. This enhanced and powerful cord consists of two individuals and God, a team against which no one stands a chance. The Strong cord in this relationship MUST be God.
8. It’s best to let go of the past
Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. (Ecclesiastes 7:10)
As seasons change and we engage in self-reflection, it’s important not to get too caught up in the events of the past. Whatever great things happened, whatever mistakes we made, whoever we spent our time with, the past is the past. No amount of rumination can bring it back or change it. Do not allow the past to cloud your future.
9. All seasons of life are valuable. Try to enjoy the one you’re in!
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
This is another reassuring verse. Even when times are tough or we are experiencing hardship, we are learning and growing. God has made these seasons just as valuable as our happiest moments. Solomon reminds us that the future is uncertain, and invites us to live in the present, learn to be content in the season you find yourself in.
10. The bottom line? Serve God
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
After telling us about all the things that don’t matter in this life, Solomon ends the book by telling us what does matter: God. Solomon finally concludes his grand quest for meaning at the author of it all, promising us that true satisfaction can only be found in Him.
You may say some of these lessons seem melancholy, but the book of Ecclesiastes has an ultimately hopeful message. Knowing and serving God can provide unimaginable joy, releasing us from the futile cares of this passing world. No matter what season of life you’re in right now try to remember your true purpose. Why did God place me here and at this time. Remember for everything there is a season!
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up 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; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew, a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
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