Day 159

Ecclesiastes 7:1 – 11:6 (NLT)

Laury Tarver, Azimuth Counseling
Specifically 7:1
 
In today’s reading, the author of Ecclesiastes gives us more principles and attitudes that can make our lives work better. He advises us to learn to control our tempers, to finish what we start, and to avoid eavesdropping. Even though “those who fear God will be better off” (8:12), the pursuit of wise living has no power in itself. It’s not a ticket to respect – “good people are often treated as though they were wicked,” (8:14), or a guarantee of a smooth and predictable life – “the wise sometimes go hungry,” 9:11). Whether we are living wisely or foolishly, our lives will be filled with both joy and sorrow. All of us will die. “It seems so tragic that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. That is why people are not more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.” (9:3)
 
But that’s not the whole story! Jesus infuses every aspect of life with hope. He is the reason to eat and drink and celebrate everyday life, love and hard work. He brings a rich new meaning to the otherwise hopeless phrase “and the day you die is better than the day you are born” (7:1). How can we, as believers, live like the day of death is cause for more celebration than the day of birth? We can ask the Holy Spirit to lead us into a true understanding of eternity versus the here and now. When faced with tragic events, our thoughts and prayers can reflect hope and faith because we know that God is in control. Our conversations with friends who may be on a mad course can include an explanation of why we are no longer afraid to die. And ultimately, the day of our death can be an act of worship. Here’s a wonderful prayer for each of us as we think about our death day – “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)