Ecclesiastes talks about many of the trials and tribulations that happen in life, including issues related to work, wealth and wisdom. It can also bring to mind the meaning of life and what the purpose of being here is. Studying Ecclesiastes can help you realize that life can sometimes feel like the same thing over and over. Other times, you're faced with challenging situations that leave you asking, "Why me?" Sitting with this knowledge can make you feel less alone. It serves as a reminder that you'll get through challenging times. This book can also remind you to keep an eternal perspective in mind when you're facing an earthly challenge.
It's human nature to work hard and stay busy. Sometimes, people get caught up in being busy. Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 states, "What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless." This can serve as a reminder to slow down and avoid being too busy all the time.
Surrendering to the uncertainty of life isn't always easy. People want to be in control and know what's coming next. Ecclesiastes touches on uncertainty in life. An example is 8:7-8, which says, "Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come? As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death." Reading Ecclesiastes helps remind you that all people face uncertainty, and you can't change that. However, you can cling to God and the idea of eternity to make that uncertainty a little easier.
Ecclesiastes refers to the pleasures of life and focusing on material things like gaining wealth. You can learn from this part of the Bible that the only thing that brings real meaning to life is establishing and growing your relationship with God. Living for yourself and trying to gain more on earth will only lead you to frustration and disappointment. You won't find true happiness or meaning. Balancing your life on earth with pursuing a deeper relationship with God can help you live a more meaningful life. Growing your relationship with God can be easier when living at Cambridge Court in Kearney because it's a faith-based community.
While this book discusses many of the challenges of life, it also touches on the beauty of being alive. It's a reminder to look for the gifts from God rather than earthly possessions. Seeing each day as a gift from God can shift your perspective. Instead of thinking of life as drudgery, you see it as something beautiful. You might read Ecclesiastes if you need a reminder to be grateful for each day.
Ecclesiastes covers a lot of relevant topics that apply to modern life. Death is a common topic in this book. As an older adult, you might spend more time than younger adults thinking about death, which can stir up a range of emotions. Ecclesiastes talks about the idea of what comes after your earthly existence. It can help you look forward to what comes next, even if you can't fully comprehend the eternity that God puts in your heart. Studying this can help comfort you and prepare you for eternity. It can also help put your earthly problems into perspective knowing there's more than this waiting for you.
As a Christian, you know God is in control and has a plan for your life. But it's not always easy to surrender to that while you're in the middle of challenging situations. You might want to hurry the time line or change the story. Ecclesiastes reminds you that God is in control and has been from the beginning, even if you can't see it. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Trusting that God has you and has always been the one in charge can bring peace to many life situations.
One final lesson to consider comes from Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." This passage reminds you to fear God and follow his commandments, as everything you do will come into judgment. It's a good guide for life at any age, and it's never too late to start following God's commandments.
