Focal passages: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10; 12:12-14
I remember the day I surrendered my life to Christ as clearly as if it had happened today. When everything of this world failed me, I was desperate to find purpose and joy.
I didn’t know where else to turn except to a church at the top of the hill, near my college campus.
I wandered inside its doors, fearful that those within would see me as a phony, or worse, as someone who didn’t belong there.
The first time I heard the gospel, it pierced my heart and soul.
God’s love, grace and mercy over me were beyond anything I’d ever heard of or experienced. I knew I was a sinner, but I didn’t know that I had hope despite it.
There was no way I could walk away from something so wonderful, my debt paid in full by Jesus. The contentment and joy that filled me that day could not have been replaced by all the world had to offer.
Nothing else mattered, but Jesus.
As our good Father, God gives good gifts, but His desire is that we enjoy them in the right ways and for the right reasons.
“For if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 11:8).
We can enjoy God’s gifts by submitting to Him in obedience.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
This truth is also expressed in John 14:21, 23, “The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me… If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:21, 23).