Verse of the Day 7/19

Verse of the Day 7/19

Ecclesiastes 7:14  In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.    English Standard Version (ESV)

In yesterday's post we considered contentment and happiness.  The pursuit of happiness doesn't necessarily lead to contentment, as we considered yesterday it is something that is learned.  The earlier in life that we learn it the better off we will be.

Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes later in life.  He spent much of the books speaking of the "vanities" of life relating to his own life, his past of accumulating things, including wives and concubines, and seeking knowledge.  What he found  is that happiness is not found in those pursuits themselves.  While the verse doesn't come out and speak of contentment, it underlies what Solomon is writing.  It is submitting control, he is making a declaration of dependence on God for the course of his life. 

God is in control of both kinds of  days and withholds from us what the future holds.  The refrain from the old hymn "Because He Lives" goes to the heart of this for those who put their faith and trust in God.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives

One way or another it is going to be "one of those days", Solomon encourages us in either case "not to take things for granted".

On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days
So that we won't take anything for granted.  Ecclesiastes 7:14 The Message

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Ecclesiastes 7:11-14The Message (MSG)

^11-12 Wisdom is better when it's paired with money,
Especially if you get both while you're still living.
Double protection: wisdom and wealth!
Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner.

¹³ Take a good look at God's work.
Who could simplify and reduce Creation's curves and angles
To a plain straight line?

¹⁴ On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days
So that we won't take anything for granted.