Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Live. Don't Exist -
International Youth Day
Ecclesiastes 11:9 - 12:8
Rojin Thomas
9 Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let
your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your
heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will
bring you into judgment.
As we read the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that we are to live life to the fullest. Solomon allows us to reflect upon our past, present, and future through this passage. As you read these verses he gives us instructions on how we are able to make the most out of life. As we grow older we obtain more responsibilities and duties. Occasionally we tend to stress upon these tasks that are given to us instead of embracing them and enjoying the process. The different stages of life are typically described as childhood, youth, adult, and old aged.
Solomon reminds us to rejoice in our youth (v.9). We live in a generation where youths are living under tremendous pressure. Pressure from home, school, work, and friends. He wants us to go after our desires, but at the same time Solomon gives us warning that God will judge our desires. This does not give permission for youths to just waste their lives, but instead serve God honorably by spending time with family and friends and pursuing what they truly enjoy. We need to lead our youths to desire the LORD and then their desires will automatically become HIS desires. In the youth stage of life it is common to not rejoice in the moment at which they are living in.
When in middle school they look forward to high school. When in high school, they look forward to what college has to bring. When in college, they plan on the “perfect” career. It goes on and on, but v.9 instructs us to rejoice now.
As we grow into our different stage of life.we tend to grow weary. We go through many trials and tribulations. Our heart carries much burden. God reminds us again through to remove any grief and anger from our hearts (11:10). We ought to remove anxiety from our lives because it is stops us from enjoying our blessings in life.
If we have not forgiven, we must forgive. If we worry, we must pray and trust God. Do not bring unnecessary pain and grief in your life through unhealthy relationships and habits. We will all go through different situations, but our response should be based on our faith in God.
Let us develop a greater appreciation for the gift of life which God has blessed us with. Let us rejoice and praise God for what we have. Let us remove the grief, bitterness, and pain with help of our Savior. We are called to give glory to God in all we do.
As we read the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that we are to live life to the fullest. Solomon allows us to reflect upon our past, present, and future through this passage. As you read these verses he gives us instructions on how we are able to make the most out of life. As we grow older we obtain more responsibilities and duties. Occasionally we tend to stress upon these tasks that are given to us instead of embracing them and enjoying the process. The different stages of life are typically described as childhood, youth, adult, and old aged.
Solomon reminds us to rejoice in our youth (v.9). We live in a generation where youths are living under tremendous pressure. Pressure from home, school, work, and friends. He wants us to go after our desires, but at the same time Solomon gives us warning that God will judge our desires. This does not give permission for youths to just waste their lives, but instead serve God honorably by spending time with family and friends and pursuing what they truly enjoy. We need to lead our youths to desire the LORD and then their desires will automatically become HIS desires. In the youth stage of life it is common to not rejoice in the moment at which they are living in.
When in middle school they look forward to high school. When in high school, they look forward to what college has to bring. When in college, they plan on the “perfect” career. It goes on and on, but v.9 instructs us to rejoice now.
As we grow into our different stage of life.we tend to grow weary. We go through many trials and tribulations. Our heart carries much burden. God reminds us again through to remove any grief and anger from our hearts (11:10). We ought to remove anxiety from our lives because it is stops us from enjoying our blessings in life.
If we have not forgiven, we must forgive. If we worry, we must pray and trust God. Do not bring unnecessary pain and grief in your life through unhealthy relationships and habits. We will all go through different situations, but our response should be based on our faith in God.
Let us develop a greater appreciation for the gift of life which God has blessed us with. Let us rejoice and praise God for what we have. Let us remove the grief, bitterness, and pain with help of our Savior. We are called to give glory to God in all we do.
Thought for the day:
Let your heart cheer you in the days of your
youth.
Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of our
youth. Please allow us to always remember the blessings you have provided for
us and help us to cast aside our troubles. Amen!
St. Thomas MTC, IL