12.08.21
The Problems of Life
Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth? (Ecclesiastes 3:21)
God exercises sovereign control over all of life. Yet life, unfortunately, is full of problems. Solomon looked at six problems that seem to argue that God is not in control. He also gave an answer for each one.
The first problem he identifies is injustice (3:16, 17). Wickedness often seems to triumph over justice. Often the guilty get away with their sin. We see this quite frequently. Yet, when God is considered, the picture changes dramatically. One day, all will stand before Him and all the scores of life will be settled.
The second problem is death (3:18-22). It appeared to Solomon that humans and beasts die in the same way. It seemed that for both, the present physical life is all there is. If this were true, life’s inequities would truly be troubling with no answer for them. But God has made Man in His image. Unlike animals, there is a spiritual side to Man,. Man was made for eternity as well as for time. While animals go to the earth, Man’s spirit will endure. Where will you spend eternity?
Oppression is the third problem that bothered Solomon (4:1-3). The powerful often use their power to take advantage of the weak. And they often seem to get away with it! This surely seems to contradict God’s sovereign control of life. In a gloomy tone, Solomon concluded that it would be better not to be born than to live the life of the oppressed.
Solomon went to the marketplace, and found that life is full of competition. The success of one person over another leads to the fourth problem, envy (4:4-6). The one who is not so successful can let himself be eaten up with envy. Or, he can give up and become foolishly idle. Because competition often leads to frustration and disappointment, Solomon advises that it is better to relax a little and be satisfied with less.
Loneliness is the fifth problem. Solomon saw loneliness everywhere (4:7-12). The successful person, despite all his labor and sacrifice, may not have anyone with whom he can share the fruits of his labor. The miser is never satisfied with his accumulations, for he lacks personal relationships that would enrich his life. Solomon notes that companionship has many benefits. Teamwork provides rewards. Marriage is especially blessed. Facing life alone may seem heroic, but the challenges of life require other people to help bear our burdens.
The final problem of life noted by Solomon is the inevitability of change (4:13-16). The verses are sadly prophetic of his own future. Though Solomon no doubt repented of his own sins, his son Rehoboam and future generations reaped the consequences of his sins.
Problems abound in this world. For some of us, if we didn’t have bad luck we wouldn’t have any luck at all. Rather than get depressed, angry or hateful, we must trust in the God who never changes! He has controlled the past, He controls the present, and He will control the future. No problem is too big for Him. He cares about you. Trusting Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for your sins, is the answer to all the problems of life!