A day will come for all of us when we are separated from the ones we love most. This is heartbreaking. It was never meant to be this way. Death was not a part of the design specs of the garden of Eden, and this is why death affects us so deeply; our minds and hearts were not engineered to handle the effects of death. But God has wisdom for us, and through Solomon, has given counsel for navigating “the vapor” that is life under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:2–4).
King Solomon tells us to enjoy life while we’re living it. Plain, simple, to the point. We are to look at what God has given us—the blessings we acknowledge and everything we take for granted—and maximize our joy in those gifts from Him. We are to leverage them to care for His Church, and in the process, He makes us more aware of what we’ve been given: “The righteous, the wise, and their works are in God’s hands” (Ecclesiastes 9:1). Solomon tells us to savor our meals, to tell stories and clank our glasses with friends, looking into the eyes of our fellow image-bearers. Why? Because it won’t always be like this. These moments are fleeting, so grab them now.
Wisdom in this life involves more than just fighting sin; wisdom also means fully living the life God has given us. Because of Jesus’s death and rising, we realize it’s not unspiritual to enjoy life—it’s actually biblical—for the glory of God and for our good. Jesus defeating death shows us that God doesn’t ignore the beauties of physical human life; He redeems them. Therefore, we ought to enjoy them and give thanks for them in the moment, which is an act of those who are fully alive, “for the living know that they will die” (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
This does not mean that we can shirk our responsibilities in pursuit of our own personal pleasure and comfort—that’s worldliness. Disciples of Christ discover joy in the ordinariness of life. Today, resolve to be present and relish in what you have been given from God, enjoying and acknowledging “every good and perfect gift” from “the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,” despite our circumstances (James 1:17).
Whatever you do in this life, do it all the way. Whatever it is that you’ve been called to do for work, family, church—do it with all your strength (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Life’s too fleeting for half-measures and good intentions. Both are ultimately empty acts, and Jesus came so that each of us “may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). Love and live fully, laugh until you cry, embrace those around you. Enjoy life today, remembering that it is a vapor, but that in our God’s presence are abundant joys and eternal pleasures (Psalm 16:11).
It’s interesting how a poor mans wisdom is despised, it’s only the rich who can defend themselves that are heard and regarded. Even when Jesus came to earth, in whom were hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, He was despised and rejected by men. Life is short, the time passes so quickly, what are we doing to make the most of our time? We need wisdom to know what He would have us do and to do whatever He desires. He will make it plain.
Churchmouse, I’m so sorry to hear that you will be unable to return to church. This current situation has made everyone feel lonely and isolated to some extent. Please know that you are relevant. I think I can speak for many if not all that your posts are the 1 st that I/we look for daily. You are so insightful. You are an important part of the SRT community and an inspiration. You are important to us. I know it’s not the same as going to church and being in the presence of your church community but SRT is a community of women it may be different but it is definitely gift and a positive use of the technology that we have available. Just know that you are a very important part of this community and that we look forward to reading your posts. I pray that the holy spirit will comfort you during this time and that churches in your area will reconsider their policies. Hugs from far away.
Thank you all for your prayers for me, my daughter and my granddaughters. So blessed and honored in being part of you my sisters in Christ. Angie, thank you for the song, I will play it for us all when we are together. God is so good. This study has been good for my heart in the acknowledgement that under the sun, it is futile, but Jesus is about eternity and heaven and all that we do in Him, for Him and with Him brings His peace and Love and expands Heaven. I pray for you all as I read your messages, and am so blessed as you express your hearts and that which you are leaning on the Lord in. Churchmouse, praying for you, your faith is strong and it blesses us all. I am type 1 diabetic and in this pandemic what I know is God has me, and my days here are still numbered. I am and will be respectful of others but I will continue to trust Him for my health until He calls me home to His glory. He’s got you and me sister in His hands and I pray you do what gives your soul peace in Him. He will not let go. Dorothy praying for you and your time alone and all those in isolation whether because of Covid or because of other reasons Lord Jesus draw near and help us to seek out those who need your touch direct us with your Holy Spirit in this time to love with your immeasurable unfathomable healing love. Amen, press on Beloved for the Almighty loves you!
I see a dichotomy in today’s passages, devotion, and comments. And I think these two areas of life are meant to live side-by-side. Let’s see if I can properly articulate this:
1. Find joy in life despite our circumstances. Jesus died to give us abundant life here on Earth. This is truth. How we have abundant life is living out of God’s will for our lives. Hold onto moments of joy because they are fleeting (wow do we know this to be trust at the current moment). I started a gratitude journal when quarantine started because I found it so hard to focus on the good things in life. This gratitude journal has been a saving grace at times. Like yesterday for example. I challenged myself to think of 3 things to be grateful for despite everything terrible happening around us. This journal helps center me to see how God is working and how He is providing despite all the chaos.
2. BE PRESENT. Whatever God has called you do to do, do it with all your strength. How can we be present with those who are mourning, those who are suffering, those who are experiencing systemic racial injustice? Thoughts I am challenging myself with today. Part of me wants to run to my safe, happy place; however, many are not afforded a safe, happy place right now. We still glorify God and live out of His will while we are mourning.
My thoughts are jumbled today but these are the two truths I drew out of today’s readings. Will you join me in thinking of 1-3 things to be thankful for either today or yesterday? Will you join me in pondering how we can be present with those who are suffering today?
Blessings to all you SRT sisters today <3
Thank you for this Taylor!
What a awesome reminder of how precious life is! God has a plan for everything and everyone. He’s always good, and he’s always faithful. I know people are hurting out there in the world and I want you to know that I’m praying for you and that Gods plan is always greater than our own! If you have any prayer requests please let me know so that I and all the SRT sisters can pray for you!
Right now I feel we need to heed the words of Ecclesiastes 9:17 and 18, especially 18 “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” After two days of protests and even riots here in the Kansas City area the church my sister and I go to obtained damage with broken glass doors and graffiti on the white church building. Our minister has decided to live some of the graffiti and paint over the obscene stuff. But in a letter to the members I really admired her, she said “The events of the weekend are breaking my heart wide open today, and I’m asking what the Spirit is trying to tell us at this time. You’ve often heard me say, ‘What God is doing is none of our business.’ But I do think one thing is clear: our building was the physical manifestation of the presence of God last night, bearing witness to the pain of the world, and that makes the events of these days our business. As I said in my sermon yesterday morning, we who are often present in this space would be wise to ask, ‘How can we listen for the wisdom of God that challenges us to see with the eyes and heart of our common Creator and act in a real and tangible way with nonviolence and peace?’ .” On our sign in front of our church right now is a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it says, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Like i said yesterday I am filed with so many different emotions right now. I want to cry but I want to praise God that no serious damage happened. Sisters we need to pray for the US and all that is going on here. All the turmoil amongst this pandemic. We also need to pray for the world and to be rid of this pandemic. To be rid of this craziness it is causing. Most of all sisters we need to pray for God to restore peace to the world. God bless each and every one of you my sisters, I’m so blessed to have you as friends and prayer partners.
“Where ever you are, be present.” I’ve heard that said many times, and I believe it is one of the principles of Ecclesiastes. Today is a gift God has given us. He owes us nothing, and yet gives us Himself, all we could ever need. How will I use the gift He has given? Will I keep it to myself, much like the parable in the Bible of the man who had so much that he built bigger barns only to die that night? Or will I disperse what He has so freely given as He guides? Basically Solomon had everything imaginable wisdom, wealth, fame, power…he had it all. But, he didn’t have contentment. He didn’t have a purpose beyond himself. I don’t mean to judge him, I cannot as I am not in his situation. But, I believe he wrote Ecclesiastes so that we could learn from his life. Where ever you are, with whatever you have been given…be present. Make it the best present you have to give. We only get one life. Everyday that God gives us breath is another day we have to honor him. It may be nothing more than the smile you give the postal worker, but it could also be the well you fund for people without clean water. We have a sign in our dining room that reads, “Today is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place is something that you have left behind. Let it be something good.”
Dear Churchmouse,
I am saddened to hear both of the optional wearing of masks at your church and your feelings that actually being present at church isn’t really necessary at all. Jesus speaks so much about the church and about fellowship. We were not created to be alone, being with other believers is vital, it not only aids in our spiritual growth but also gives us a place to minister, serve and come to know the needs of others. If one part of the body is missing – the whole body suffers. You have been such a “presence” here at SRT. You have ministered to many, shared your God given wisdom, encouraged and helped many. Satan knows how much you love God, follow Jesus and help others in their walk. He wants to discourage you and have you give up on the local church. Please don’t listen to his lies. He is such a deceiver. When we are told “not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together” in Hebrews 10:25, it is because in coming together as a body of believers we are able to “stir up love and good works” in each other (Hebrews 10:24). If you are wearing a mask, it should protect you even if others aren’t, and even more so if social distancing is being practiced. I will be praying for you to have the wisdom to make the right decision without letting your emotions get in the way and that God will protect you should you decide to physically go to church. Thank you for being so open and honest and brave enough to voice what you are feeling, here with your sisters in the Lord. Much love and prayers!♥