Thoughts

At the end of our last reading in Ecclesiastes, the end of chapter 8, Solomon had said that after setting his mind on understanding wisdom, after watching what happens here on earth, he concluded that it is impossible for man to understand it all. And this is coming from the wisest man that ever lived. 

And the beginning of our reading today began with the words, “So I considered all of this carefully, examining all of it: The righteous and the wise and their deeds are in God’s hand…”

I have discovered, in my life, that this is a good place to be. Before Jesus left this world he said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” 

If we try to make sense out of the world, as Solomon did, we will become like he did. We’ll become cynical and jaded. Solomon spent many years in pursuit of the things the world tells us will bring happiness. And near the end he threw in the towel and said, “It’s too much. I can’t understand.” 

When I was a few years younger, ok, when I was many years younger, during the Jesus Freak days of the late 60s and early 70s, there was a popular bumper sticker around that said, “Let go and let God.”

Of course, like most bumper stickers that’s overly simplistic, but it fits in our discussion here.

When we are willing to admit that we’re not in control, that it’s all in God’s hands, it becomes easier to let go and let God. Jesus came to give us peace, which is good, since all the things that the world says will give us peace fall sadly short.

It’s good to remember that I am not God. Which is good, because I don’t want the job.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 9-10 NKJV

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Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.