Fear and Obey God

Today’s reading comes from Ecclesiastes 7-12. Here’s what I journaled –

Scripture –
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.

Observation –
This reading concludes Ecclesiastes. Throughout the book Solomon (the author) has been talking about the meaninglessness of life and the pursuit of earthly things in order to find lasting happiness and purpose. Now, in this verse he sums up what really matters – fearing God and obeying His commands.

Application –
Life is always meaningless without a focus on God and eternity. As long as I’m wrapped up in the everyday affairs of life and not thinking about God or living for Him, I am just going through a meaningless repitition. As Solomon tells us here, I need to focus on fearing God and obeying His commands. How serious do I take my relationship with God? Do I really fear (respect, revere, honor) Him? Or, am I completely casual in my relationship with God? Do I love God to the point that I genuinely desire and seek to obey Him? It’s time for me to think through all of this and make some changes.

Prayer –
God, Help me to fear and obey You. May my life be wrapped up in things of You instead of the meaninglessness of this world. Thank You for caring about me and loving me. Help me to love and honor You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Meaningless – Everything in Life is Meaningless

Today’s reading comes from Ecclesiastes 1-6.  Here’s what I journaled –

Scripture –
Ecclesiastes 1:14 – I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless– like chasing the wind.

Observation –
Ecclesiastes is a very interesting book.  It is apparently written by King Solomon (although his name doesn’t appear in the book).  The book begins with him making this type of statement – that everything in life is meaningless.  Ecclesiastes actually comes across as a very pessimistic book – at least in its beginnings.  Apparently the king has tried everything in life to find meaning – wisdom, pleasure, work, political power, wealth, etc.  But, all of them have proven to be “meaningless.”  He’s setting us up to find out where we can find true meaning in life.  Stay tuned for the conclusion of the book.

Application –
If all we do is chase after things, seek to pleasure ourselves, try to obtain success and notoriety, etc. then we will discover they are all meaningless.  Sure, they may bring excitement, pleasure, and apparent meaning for awhile, but they all fail in the end.  The pursuit of the things of this earth does not bring true satisfaction and meaning and purpose in life.  In order for us to find our meaning we’ve got to consult with God. He’ll show us the steps to take.

Prayer –
God, Help me to always find my meaning and purpose in You.  May I never try to do things on my own.  I know that outside of You – everything, regardless of how important it is, is truly meaningless.  If I focus on other people and/or things then I’m missing out on the true meaning in life – You.  Help me to focus on You and live my life for You and not for myself.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.