“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of
adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the
end that man should find nothing after him.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV)
Isn’t it interesting that at the same time some people
enjoy prosperity others struggle along in adversity. What makes it interesting
is this: their circumstances will reverse. Those who now suffer adversity will
enjoy prosperity and those who now enjoy prosperity will suffer adversity.
enjoy prosperity others struggle along in adversity. What makes it interesting
is this: their circumstances will reverse. Those who now suffer adversity will
enjoy prosperity and those who now enjoy prosperity will suffer adversity.
If we wrap our minds around that fact, we can understand why the writer
said, “be joyful in prosperity.” The Preacher knew that circumstances change
and situations reverse. We must live and work today for tomorrow will be a new
day. Jesus viewed this providential fact from a different perspective. His knew
that God would take care of those who seek his kingdom. He said, “Take
therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the
things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew
6:34).
said, “be joyful in prosperity.” The Preacher knew that circumstances change
and situations reverse. We must live and work today for tomorrow will be a new
day. Jesus viewed this providential fact from a different perspective. His knew
that God would take care of those who seek his kingdom. He said, “Take
therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the
things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew
6:34).
Like day and night, as well as summer and winter, prosperity
and adversity are set to offset one
another. Why? The Preacher writes, “So that humans cannot know their future”
(SyS paraphrase). It is God’s will that we depend upon him and not ourselves or
the economics of this world.
and adversity are set to offset one
another. Why? The Preacher writes, “So that humans cannot know their future”
(SyS paraphrase). It is God’s will that we depend upon him and not ourselves or
the economics of this world.
Dependence on God keeps us
ready for anything and everything . . . no matter what happens. It isn’t what
is happening at any given time. Rather, it is how we respond to the
circumstances in which we find ourselves today. Will we only worship God in the
good times? Is our faith in God only for the good times? Does our relationship
with him deteriorate in adverse conditions and circumstances?
ready for anything and everything . . . no matter what happens. It isn’t what
is happening at any given time. Rather, it is how we respond to the
circumstances in which we find ourselves today. Will we only worship God in the
good times? Is our faith in God only for the good times? Does our relationship
with him deteriorate in adverse conditions and circumstances?
Times of affliction, sorrow
and troubles are opportunities for consideration. Obviously the Apostle to the Gentiles
had considered this because he wrote, “I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be
abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13 KJV).
and troubles are opportunities for consideration. Obviously the Apostle to the Gentiles
had considered this because he wrote, “I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be
abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13 KJV).
Dear Father, thank you for both prosperity and adversity. Strengthen our
faith and empower us to be content in both. This I pray in the name of Jesus.
AMEN
faith and empower us to be content in both. This I pray in the name of Jesus.
AMEN
Be strong and courageous today in your circumstances,