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
After the year 2020, many people believe that they had hours of joy with months of sorrow. 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 says, “So, if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all.” How can that happen?
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 states that life is a gift from God. There is a purpose for your life and, because that is so, life is worth living. You can rejoice in all the Lord gives 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 who can focus on things eternal, can be prepared to face the times of trial and temptation with joy. Strong faith in God gives comfort in difficult times, even times of death.
There is also a caution that can come from the realization that death is coming. Seek to remain humble before the Lord, rather than being filled with the pride of this life, and do not be lulled into acceptance of things that God hates. “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, for those whose decisions are clouded by things of this world. Pray for humbled hearts that will seek the Lord and keep His commandments. Then, put the Lord first in all you do so you may experience 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.
