Day 159 - The Futility of Striving (Ecclesiastes 7 - Ecclesiastes 11:1-6) - Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• Ecclesiastes 7 - Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Striving

Today's Bible reading takes us through Ecclesiastes 7 and 11:1-6, offering profound insights into the pursuit of wisdom, the futility of striving, and the importance of finding contentment in the present moment.

Ecclesiastes 7 begins with a series of comparative sayings:

"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

This poetic verse highlights that while a good reputation is invaluable, life’s journey is often arduous and challenging.

"Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions." (Ecclesiastes 7:10)

Longing for the past can blind us to the opportunities and blessings of the present. As Owens Lee Pomeroy said, "Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson: you find the present tense and the past perfect."

The teacher in Ecclesiastes 8 grapples with life's big questions, including the seeming injustice in the world:

"There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve." (Ecclesiastes 8:14)

This reminds us of historical injustices, like those seen during World War II, where the righteous suffered and the wicked were exalted.

Ecclesiastes 9 urges us to enjoy life while we can, recognizing its unpredictability:

"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do." (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

Ecclesiastes 11 continues with practical wisdom, encouraging us to diversify our efforts and embrace the uncertainties of life:

"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

Word of the Day: Striving

Striving is defined as making great efforts to achieve or obtain something or to struggle vigorously.

From birth, society teaches us to strive—to hit milestones, achieve success, and continually push forward. However, this relentless pursuit can come at a cost. Solomon warns that excessive striving is ultimately meaningless. True fulfillment comes not from pushing through at any cost but from finding balance and prioritizing what truly matters.

As an author and mother, I constantly battle the urge to strive. Balancing my career with caring for my family, I often remind myself of God’s call to prioritize people over work. Despite the demands of my career, I pause to make dinner, spend time with my children, and care for my elderly grandmother. This balance reminds me that if I focus on God’s work—caring for others—He will take care of my work.

Corrie ten Boom beautifully captured this sentiment:

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest."

Ecclesiastes teaches us to find joy and meaning in the present, to balance striving with contentment, and to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. As we reflect on these lessons, may we seek wisdom, embrace life’s uncertainties, and strive for what truly matters.

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