Reading

• Eccl. 3:1-17; 11:7-12:8, 13-14
• 2 Chron. 9:29-31

Devotional

The book of Ecclesiastes is often perceived as both practical and depressing, but much wisdom is contained within it. It is the story of an old man who had everything his heart desired, but chose the road which led him further away from GOD than closer toward Him. Today’s reading contains concluding thoughts regarding the true meaning of life. It is important to recognize that everything in life has its time:

¹ To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
² A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
³ A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
⁴ A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
⁵ A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
⁷ A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
⁸ A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
(Eccl. 3:1-8 NKJV)

¹⁰ I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. ¹² I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, ¹³ and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. (Eccl. 3:10-13 NKJV)

GOD has put within each of us the understanding that there is more to life than the hear-and-now. Physical life on earth is just the first phase of our existence—the substance of our life is found in eternity, after we die. Physical life is a training ground—the test phase—which determines our destiny. Our job is to do good with our days here and live rejoicing in the blessings of our GOD, regardless of our circumstances. This is the best we can do.

⁷ Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. ⁸ However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless.  ⁹ You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
(Eccl. 11:7-9 NIV)

¹ Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”… ⁶ Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed… ⁷ Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. …¹³ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. ¹⁴ For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.
(Eccl. 12:1-14 NKJV)

Solomon reigned over Israel 40 years and he was buried in Jerusalem. His son Rehoboam succeeded Solomon as king.