Have you ever started a project? At the beginning of this project there is excitement, a plan, a purpose, an idea. As the project gets underway there are setbacks, obstacles, tests, and trials. When you expected smooth sailing, you hit a brick wall. The idea isn't your ideal.
As we begin our study of Ecclesiastes, we find Solomon in this rut. We know from Solomon's background that he is the most successful king Israel had, a preacher, blessed beyond measure, and wise. Yet, there is something in his voice as we read this passage that would suggest he is in back-slide mode (not as close to God as he was in the past). His compass seems broken.
There are four points to bring out in this passage to show us what being in a rut looks like and how we can get through it.
Point One: Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 Blessings seem as baggage.
Blessings can take the following three forms:
Platform - a voice or a position of importance
Prosperity - healthy, wealthy, and wise
Popularity - you draw people to you easily
Solomon had all these, yet there is a sense that these blessing are a burden to him. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift is from above. God doesn't have a dark side. As long as God is honored with our blessings, they are to be enjoyed. We also see that happiness isn't found in having little or having much, but it is found in our vibrant relationship with God.
Study Questions:
1. What blessings do you enjoy today?
2. Which blessings feel like burdens at times?
Point Two: Ecclesiastes 1:3 Engaging in a "Who Cares?" attitude
In verse 3, Solomon introduces the statement "Under the sun." It seems that his focus is entirely on the planet earth. There has to be more than being born, collecting stuff, giving it away, and dying. We can easily fall into this routine. If you work or stay at home, your day could look like this:
1. Get up
2. Fight Traffic or Kids
3. Get to work
4. Lunch
5. More work
6. Fight Traffic or Kids
7. Home/Bedtime for Kids
8. TV
9. Sleep
"Wash, Rinse, and Repeat." An approach to life like this would lead to boredom or "who cares" attitude.
Colossians 3:22 Says we serve God not man. How different would our approach to our day would be if we were to serve God in everything we did?
Study Questions
1. Is there anything about your attitude that needs to change in how you approach your day to day life?
2. How you serving God with your day?
Point 3 Ecclesiastes 1:4 Time is something you don't mind wasting.
Solomon tells us in this verse, "generations come and go, but nothing ever changes."
Having young children there are often times when they go through a particular stage that is difficult for the parent, it seems that time stands still. We wait and wait and wait for it to pass and it doesn't. There are long days and long nights, but it just seems like a waste of time and energy. But with God there is always purpose to the time He gives us. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to "be careful of how we live not as unwise, but as wise. "
Study Questions
1. Are there areas of your life where time is being wasted?
2. What can you do to change this?
3. Discuss with the group any time saving ideas that have helped you live your day unto the Lord.
Point 4 Ecclesiastes 1:8-11 Fun has become frustrating to you.
Solomon tells us "All things are wearisome."
A few months ago we celebrated my youngest birthday. As with all parties, the planning had become somewhat stressful. With one last to do on my list, my oldest son happily volunteered to help me get balloons for the party. We took balloons to get filled up at the store. After tallying all the balloons we paid and left. It had to be the windiest day in OK. Needless to say getting the balloons from the store to the car was a chore. However, the following events could be remembered differently had my attitude been that of Solomon. Instead, it turned out to be one of the best moments I've ever had with my son. We did lose balloons from the store to the car, but I don't remember being bothered by the cost or upset at the wind. I do remember that I've never laughed so hard with my son. The picture of both of us shepherding our balloons to the car will last a lifetime.
Matthew 10:39 tells us "Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Often times our perspective about life reveals how we are living. Being disconnected often results from fruitless living.
Study Questions
1. Discuss with your group where you chose to look positively at a tough situation rather than negatively.
