In this life, there is much happiness along with much sorrow. Some parts of our lives are happier than others, while others are more sorrowful. It seems that we cannot live this life without either outcome. However, what we do in that time of joy or sadness is what matters most. We can either spend our good days and bad days without God or do things worthwhile with the Lord in prayer and His Word. Solomon spoke on this, when he said, 1“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.” When we consider what we’ve been given and remember God in it all, that is when things work out for the better. The same can be said for how we live our life. We can either know God and be overly self-righteous or humble ourselves before God. To live in our pride will cause our own downfall. As Solomon said, 1“all things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness.” Surely the unrighteous may feel like they have it all, because of their riches or other things that they have in life, but it is only a false sense of security. Their life may be long, because of their good health decisions, but in all this God knows full well about their wicked lifestyle. Solomon spoke about this, when he said, 1“there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.” However, prolonging one’s life will not get that person an out of jail card come judgement day. It is true that 1“there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not,” as Solomon said, but that does not excuse us to live in sin. So please do as Paul said and 2“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
When we believe and know about the Lord Jesus, it is good to seek Him out often, through the Bible and prayer. This is where He is able to speak to our heart and soul and lead us into righteousness. However, It is when we think we are better than we really are is when things get out of hand and we do and say things we shouldn’t. Things like, “I’ve been in the ministry for X amount of years, so I know more than you.” or “Because of my amount of time in God’s Word, your interpretation has is wrong.” or “I can’t be with you, because you are aren’t a Christian.” Can’t you see the arrogance in these things that people say and do? Please understand that these are only a few things that people say when they are full of pride. If people were humble before God, none of this would ever be brought up, instead God’s love would be pouring into the people we know. I love how Solomon put it, 1“be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?” The things we say and do can eat at our soul. So it is better to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in all things. While we abide in the Lord our wickedness turns into righteousness. But not our own righteousness but the goodness that God bestows upon us. Even Solomon spoke about how our wickedness makes us foolish. He said, 1“be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?” Therefore, as Paul said, 2“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” To live for Christ is what saves us, not what we think or do.
Let us pray:
Lord God, with all the pain and sorrow in this life, it is much more bearable with You in it. Even with all the joy that comes with this life, it is less joyful when You aren’t around. Surely, my life is empty when I am in sin and You are absent. Even when I feel overly righteous, life is just not the same until I finally humble myself. My life can even feel good while in sin, for a time, but like everything else, that time ends and all comes crashing down on me. So when it comes down to doing good, I know that there is only goodness when You are leading me. The same goes for repentance. I know that my life is being prolonged when You have rescued me from my addictions. When it comes to life, pride and the flesh is my downfall and I feel much better when You are helping me through it. I can easily say or do things that are hurtful if Your joy is not inside of me. For this God, I plead for You, this day, to never leave me, nor forsake me. Ever be in life. Guide my path and lead me in Your light. Help me make wise decisions that will be for my good. Even in times of sadness, raise me up again and give me peace. I am stronger during the good times and the bad when You have a hold of my life. I need You Lord. I am safe within Your arms. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Ecclesiastes 7:11-20 (KJV)
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
14 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.
15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
2Philippians 2:1-13 (KJV)
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
