The Presence of the Unknown
Eccl 3:22
“So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?”
When I visit with someone who feels life isn’t worth living, in addition to faith issues, I try to get them to understand they are contemplating a long-term solution to a short-range problem. Every one of the people who were in despair had circumstances that eventually changed. They didn’t see it at the time, but things got better.
Indeed, Solomon tells us life is full of ups and downs. If things are going well wait a bit, it will change. If things are not going well wait a bit, it will change.
There are constant things in our lives that can provide stability. The sun will come up tomorrow regardless of what this day is like. There is a new day coming. Since Jesus died for our sins and since we have received His gift of salvation, the matter of our resurrection and eternal life has been settled. We will not die, but only translated into His presence as our bodies are left behind, but for now, there is the burden of the unknown. Solomon admits life is not fair. One cannot see what will happen beyond his present situation.
When a couple plan to get married, they are full of dreams. Many of those dreams do not work out. Many marriages end in divorce. Who knows at the time photos are taking of a new born baby what the future has for that child? There are many turns in life that we experience over which we have no control.
Each generation has gotten better as our standard of living has increasingly improved. New inventions make life easier. For the period of time we have on the earth our lot is to work to provide for our needs, our family, and keep on persevering until we die. That is our lot according to Solomon’s skepticism.
The work we do here is ended when we die. To seek enjoyment in your labor and in your life is a path that we all can take. It doesn’t make a difference if you work as a janitor or a president of a successful company. It doesn’t matter if your work is paid or unpaid. It doesn’t matter if you are a housewife or a retiree with responsibilities to pay bills and volunteer services. What you have done for self, family, others, or for God awaits us today. What surprises does God have for you? You will not know unless you make yourself available to Him to change your plans and be open to His. Your lot is to face your responsibilities doing the best you can and let God do the rest.
For today there is work to do, people to see, and projects await. We can see them as burdens or responsibilities and in doing them our peace comes from knowing we serve the Lord.
What surprises came to you last week? What was something positive you did? What was something positive that God did for you?
