Ecclesiastes 9 (2)

Pray Psalm 115.17, 18.
The dead do not praise the LORD,
Nor any who go down into silence.
But we will bless the LORD
From this time forth and forevermore.

Read Ecclesiastes 9.3.

Prepare.
1. Why, “under the sun”, is it considered “evil” that the same things befall everyone?

2. What is the nature of the “madness” that characterizes those who live “under the sun”?

Meditate.
Happiness apart from God is merely circumstantial, and therefore, fleeting. When things are going well, people are happy. But let their situation change – and it always will – and their lives can spin out of control. Neither wealth nor power nor celebrity can shelter or exempt anyone from whatever a day might bring. And who can know what that might be (v. 1)?

When adversity comes, people “under the sun” simply hie to what they hope will be better circumstances. But since their hearts are evil and their minds are filled with “madness”, what hope do they have of finding real happiness “under the sun”? Thus they lurch here and there all their lives, seeking to optimize happiness by maximizing their surroundings. And then they die.

“Are we having fun yet?” There is real wisdom in that bumper sticker. Happiness – sought as true and lasting joy and wellbeing – eludes everyone “under the sun”. The believer does not seek happiness; rather, he rests in the joy of his salvation, even in the face of those same circumstances which perplex and distress those living “under the sun”.

When unbelievers see that joy, that hope, lived out consistently amid the same kinds of circumstances that threaten to bury them, they will know what true happiness really is, and then we can tell them where it can be found (1 Pet 3.15).

Reflect.
1. How would you explain the difference between happiness and joy?  

2. Why should we be more concerned to realize joy than to find happiness?   

3. What is the advantage to our witness that the same trials and tribulations that unbelievers experience come upon us as well?

The difference as to present happiness, arises from the inward supports and consolations the righteous enjoy, and the benefit they derive from varied trials and mercies. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9.1-3

Fill me with the joy that comes from knowing You, Lord, and send me into my Personal Mission Field, ready to…

Pray Psalm 115.14-18.
What kind of “increase” do you expect from the Lord today? How will you serve Him, so that you bless the Lord by your life?

Sing Psalm 115.14-18.
Psalm 115.14-18 (Plainfield - "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus")
Grant us, Savior, great increase – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace – ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
and bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M. Moore 

Where does the book of Ecclesiastes fit in the overall flow of Scripture? Our series of studies, God’s Covenant, can show you, and help you discover the great beauty of the unity and diversity of Scripture, and how it all points to Christ. To order your copy of this important workbook, click here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).