True Happiness Depends on God

Down through time men have thought about the true meaning to life. And it is no wonder because life can be very confusing with all of its twists and turns, ups and downs. Some of the wisest people in history too have made attempts to make sense out of life, including Solomon the wisest man of all.

In Solomon’s effort to understand the “true meaning to life,” he saw that good times and bad times happen to everyone, and this repeats itself in each generation that comes along. In fact, this process repeats itself with such certainty that Solomon concluded (Ecclesiastes 3:15) that the wise man will understand this, and prepare himself for the ups and downs in life. Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3 that there are things beyond our control. For example, no matter how rich and powerful one may be, he can’t prevent sorrow, sickness and death.

In (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15), we see Solomon contemplating the providence, or wisdom of God. Solomon helps us to see that true comfort and happiness will only come by placing our trust in God. Therefore, every person should make the best of their life while seizing the opportunities God offers. Let’s take a look at times and seasons appointed by God (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Everything Solomon mentions here we will come to know if we live long enough.

Solomon confirms his assertion made in chapter 2, that wealth, wisdom and success are not really in man’s hands I like how James puts it in (James 4:13-16). There is a time: To be born and die. Our birth is outside our control, and concerning death, we cannot prevent it (Hebrews 9:27). The contrast is that birth and death each have their appointed season which comes to pass without man’s interference. A good analogy here is: to plant and harvest that which is planted. For a spiritual application, I refer you to (Luke 8:11-15; Matthew 15:13).

To kill and to heal has reference to the execution of criminals and the healing of the sick. Some biblical examples are (Deuteronomy 13:6-10; Luke 5:31). To break down and build up can simply mean there is a time to tear down old, dilapidated (or run-down) buildings and replace them with new ones. To weep and mourn, and to laugh and dance deals with the feelings of the heart. Good times and bad times come into the lives of all, as previously mentioned (Romans 12:15).

To cast away stones and gather stones can be thought of as the disposal of debris to clear a field, or gathering materials in order to build a fence. There is a time and place for everything. To embrace and to refrain from embracing refers to illicit and legitimate love (Proverbs 5:18-21; 1 Corinthians 7:2-5). To seek and keep, and to lose and cast away tells us that in life there are gains (wins) and losses. The wise know when to exert energy in pursing wealth, and when it is prudent to submit and to loss.

To rend and to sew is usually understood as rending (tearing) the garments as a sign of grief, and the repairing of the tear when the mourning season is over (Genesis 37:29, 34). To be silent and to speak means there are times when we should speak out and other times when we should keep our mouths quiet (Proverbs 15:23; Proverbs 17:28). To love and have peace, and to hate and have wars refer to love and hate. Both emotions are common to life. There are things to be loved (John 13:34-35) and there are things to be hated (Proverbs 6:16-19).

What can we learn from all of this? The lesson to be learned is that we should depend on things in which we have no ultimate control. For many people, this is a difficult thing to do. Most want to see something tangible that will guarantee a result before they make a leap of faith. All efforts to circumvent (or get around) God’s appointed seasons and times are futile. Man’s duty is to recognize and accept the circumstance beyond his control (Ecclesiastes 3:10-15). Just remember, only God has true control!

We need to realize that everything has a purpose in God’s overall scheme. Men cannot fully appreciate the beauty of God’s over all scheme because we cannot see the finished product. The human view of life has been compared to looking at a bedspread from the under side that appears only as threadbare material, seams, and knotty strings. God sees the upper side of the beautiful pattern His hands have made.

To help us understand and accept the times and seasons of our life, we must view things from eternity’s perspective. Man’s duty is to make the best of what he is given. After all, there is nothing new here. We face only what people of past generations have endured (1 Corinthians 10:13).

In conclusion, let me say this to you. Life changes often and wise preparation is needed to make the best of it. There is a Divine order that pervades human life, and it is proper and wise to accept it with meekness. We should seek God’s guidance as we deal the changing times and seasons. Our true happiness depends on God. Even though there many things we cannot control, we can choose our own conduct, form our own character, and decide to obey God or not!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, You are my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in You and I am helped. You are not only with me but in me, and I in You. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life's hardships. Keep us ever in Your watch, til we can walk again with light hearts and renewed spirits. Amen

May God bless you,

Helena