Strength to go through it all
Solomon's description of the obvious tension between the positive and negative events in life captures this beautifully. The vivid contrasts are an honest portrayal of life that the vast majority of us will pass through: the cycle of birth and death, planting and harvest, intimacy and distance, love and hate, peace and war (3:1-8).
Rather than become despondent and overwhelmed by the inevitable good and bad we all will face in a fallen world, we must look for what is redemptive in each phase of life. Passing through these conflicting seasons of life is possible for us all. Life should be lived in anticipation of God's promise, we must seek for the good even in the most difficult of seasons for God "has made everything beautiful in its time." Second, we must live in pursuit of the God-given destiny that He has written upon our soul. Third, we must enjoy the journey. To find pleasure in whatever our hard work has produced. Whether it is a small hut and herb soup, or a mansion and king's banquet, it has value (3:11-13).
Lastly, in 4:9-12 Solomon paints a wonderful picture of the richness that comes from a loyal friendship. This is a friendship that gives each other the strength to endure the most distressful seasons of life. It is a relationship that brings great joy in the simplest of life's daily rhythms. Solomon's description of the great reward found in loyal relationships is an amazing mandate for what should be found in marriage. It's a relationship that no amount of money or fame can give. A relationship that assures there is someone to pick you up when life leaves you struck to the ground and incapable of rising. A relationship that brings warmth and godly love when you might otherwise be abandoned. One who will fight side-by-side with you in your battles, enabling you to overcome what would have otherwise been sure defeat. All this is given and all this is received based on a threefold cord—God, you, and a loyal friend that interwoven to produce a combined strength that will not be easily broken.
These four principles enable us to become anchored in God through the seasons of life, both calm waters and mighty storms.
-Calvary Church Boise
Created about 1 year ago
