ECCLESIASTES Part 2: THE KEY TO GODLY ADULTHOOD IS TO RECOGNIZE HARD TRUTHS, BUT CHOOSE JOY AND SERVE GOD.

Posted bySteven WalesPosted inThe Bible is Not a Children's Book, wisdomTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

After the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 4:31) encourages adults to face hard truths and take life seriously, he adds the unexpected, “now lighten up.”

It is as though Solomon says: Work hard, do what’s right, remember one day you will face judgment—and HAVE FUN! While living wisely, choose joy!

The truth is, your earthly life is no more permanent than a foggy breath on a cold morning. (But in Heaven, you will reign with Christ forever! 2 Timothy 2:11-12). Nevertheless, trying to find meaning in this life is like trying to capture smoke in your hands, Ecclesiastes 1:14.

Solomon says yes, you must REMEMBER THE HARD TRUTHS about life on earth.

BUT THEN—now that you know the hard truths—REJOICE! CHEER UP! Enjoy life! (Does Solomon still sound like an angry old man?) Solomon says rejoice, just as Paul would write a thousand years later: “Rejoice always” 1 Thessalonians 5:16. And Solomon gives examples—we can CHOOSE to enjoy the following:

  1. Enjoy your work! (2:24).
  2. Enjoy your spouse and family! (9:9).
  3. Enjoy your food and drink! (8:15).
  4. Enjoy your youth! (11:9).
  5. Enjoy your old age! (11:8).
  6. Enjoy your prosperity! (7:14).
  7. Enjoy your struggles! (2:10).

This is a picture of GODLY ADULTHOOD: recognize the hard and painful truths of life—and remember there is a time to be serious (there is a time for everything)—and choose to find joy in everything He gives you. CHOOSE JOY. It really is a choice.

God, remind us to ENJOY THINGS. Help us to be thankful—for food, for work, for youth, for age, for money when we have it, and for STRUGGLES when we don’t. Make us “shining, happy people” who give You glory and make You look good by our good attitudes.

ΑΩ

Published by Steven Wales

Dad's Daily Devotional began as text messages to my family. I wanted my teenagers to know their father was reading the Bible. But they were at school by then. Initially, I sent them a favorite verse or an insight based on what I read each day. That grew into drafting a devotional readng which I would send them via text. I work as an attorney and an adjunct professor, and recently wrote a book called HOW TO MAKE A'S.

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