In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. – Ecclesiastes 7:14
In one day, all but a handful of Job’s possessions were taken from him – his servants were killed, his donkeys and camels stolen away, his sheep consumed by fire, and his ten children killed in a house collapse. What was his response? “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped… ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’” (Job 1:20-21).
Recently, Hurricane Ian left its devastating effects on Florida and Puerto Rico. Many who live there are suffering the loss of their worldly possessions and livelihoods, all gone within hours. These examples are extreme examples of adversity. And yet, Job shows the way; mourn the loss but worship the God who is Wise, Just, and Holy. Though you do not understand all His ways, He will uphold you in the worst of times.
As one commentator wrote, “Our wisdom is baffled by the system of Providence.” Today’s verse says to rejoice in the days of your prosperity (when things go well), then, when days of adversity come, Solomon’s advice is “Consider.” Reflect upon what you can learn, whether or not you should change direction, and if you need to depend more on God. This earthly life is not under human control, and the future is hidden from you. Why? So your dependence is completely on the Lord. It is He who will walk you through the good days and the bad.
Pray today for governing authorities who have to make decisions in times of adversity, as well as in prosperity. May their hearts be open to depending on the Lord for direction.
Today’s Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:14
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.
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: 1 Peter 1:3-7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
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.
