- An Eternal Focus
So, if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. – Ecclesiastes 11:8
Commentator Matthew Henry said that “jovial sinners have their melancholy qualms… and cheerful saints have their gracious sorrows.” He stated that a man is not able to rejoice in all the years of life. However, in today’s verse, Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, states, “So, if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all.” How can you rejoice in all each year?
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 highlights that life is a gift from God. He has a purpose for your life and, because that is true, life is worth living. You can rejoice in all the Lord gives and does for you. Then, when the body dies, the apostle Paul’s message is clear: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-9). You, as a believer with a focus on the eternal, can prepare to face the times of trial and temptation with joy. Firm faith in God provides comfort in difficult times, even in times of death.
Awareness comes with the recognition of the inevitability of earthly death. Seek to remain humble before the Lord, put aside the pride of this life, and hold fast to the principles God values. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Pray today for those who govern in this nation, especially those whose minds are clouded by the priorities of this world. Pray that they humble their hearts to seek the Lord, and keep His commandments. Then, put the Lord first in all you do and thank Him for the joy only He can give.
Today’s Verse: Ecclesiastes 11:8
So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Habakkuk 3:1-2, 17-19
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth.
2 O Lord, I have heard the report of you,
and your work, O Lord, do I fear.
In the midst of the years revive it;
in the midst of the years make it known;
in wrath remember mercy.17 Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
19 God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
