MAY 18

Ecclesiastes 6:10-12
Memorise Ecclesiastes 6:12
“who knoweth what is good for man in this life”

And so finally in conclusion to this segment, the same idea repeats itself – that man under the sun can never find true meaning in life. After all that Solomon had observed concerning life, and the way in which man under the sun lives his life, and struggles through the many aspects of his time here on earth, he realises that they are all things that increase vanity. The life of man under the sun is therefore described as a vain life spent as a shadow – living in darkness and never being enlightened by the truth of God’s Word.

By way of a review, Solomon goes back to the thought which he had in chapter 3, in that God is ultimately sovereign over everything in life. He says that ‘that which hath been is named already’ – that all things are fixed by God and set in their ways. Anything done apart from God is vain. Man is also known in his wicked ways, it is a known fact that he is inherently sinful. Thus who is man in comparison to God? Can he contend or argue with the One who is mightier than he? God has already established all things as they are, and so there is no way that we can argue with Him about it. Oh what a foolish sight it would be, for puny, sinful man to go up against the almighty perfect God, and question His will! Thus who knows that is best for us to do? Only God knows what is best for man in this life, and not only that, in his life after the sun as well. Man left to himself is lost and vain, and understands nothing of the present or the future.

Dear teen, do you sometimes feel like you are misunderstood, or that the people in authority around you don’t seem to care about what you want? Are we tempted to think that of God as well? Are we upset and discontent with certain things in our lives, that lead us to question whether God cares? Remember that our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. What we think is best for us, may sometimes be the very worst thing! God in His perfect wisdom has ordained all things, for the good of His children. He does not want us to waste our lives in vanity, as in a shadow, but wants us to walk in the light of His truth, to live lives that are pleasing and glorifying to Him! 

Thought: What I think is best for myself, may not really be the best.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Your wisdom, and never try to rebel against You and question Your perfect ways.