Finding Awe in the Midst of Life's Challenges: A Reflection on Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Big Idea

The way we view God affects the way we view life’s challenges.

Depression, sadness, misery, and downheartedness are emotions that can often be triggered by life's circumstances. These feelings can engulf us when we face situations beyond our control, overwhelming emotions, inner turmoil, or a sense of worthlessness. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, the Searcher, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, explores these triggers of misery and offers profound insights on how to find awe in God amid life's challenges.

Triggers to Misery

Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 presents us with four triggers to our misery:

1. Loss of Control within Our Lives: This trigger is described in verses 1-3, emphasizing that there are seasons in life that we cannot control. Life is marked by changes and events that are beyond our influence, leading to feelings of powerlessness and potential misery.

2. Loss of Control over Our Emotions: This trigger is discussed in verses 4-5, highlighting the fact that we often cannot control our emotions and feelings. There are times of sadness and times of joy, and our emotions can fluctuate beyond our control, potentially leading to misery.

3. Inability to Follow Inner Decisions or Commitments: This trigger is mentioned in the latter part of the poem, in verses 6-8. It points out that there are seasons in life when we struggle to maintain our inner decisions and commitments. This inner turmoil can lead to feelings of frustration and misery.

4. Feeling That Our Work Is Worthless or Not Valued: This trigger is connected to the concept that our labor or work may seem meaningless or undervalued. It is implied in the passage that when we feel that our efforts are in vain, it can lead to a sense of misery and downheartedness.

Action Step: Before delving into the reasons to stand in awe of God, let's reflect on our own lives and identify the triggers of misery we've encountered. Journal about your experiences with these triggers and how they have impacted your life. Be honest with yourself about the moments when you felt powerless, emotional, or disheartened. This self-awareness is essential for personal growth and finding awe in God amid life's challenges.

Reasons to Stand in Awe of God

1. God Makes Everything Beautiful in Its Time (Ecclesiastes 3:11a): The Searcher reminds us that God orchestrates every event in our lives, making each one beautiful and suitable for its designated time. This profound truth teaches us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty. When we embrace this, we can find awe in a God who works all things for our good.

2. God Has Placed Eternity in Our Hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11b): Within every human heart, there exists a longing for something more significant than this life. This holy restlessness is God-given, urging us to seek meaning and purpose. It reminds us that our lives are part of a more profound, eternal plan.

3. Righteous Living Over Right Living (Ecclesiastes 3:12): The Searcher emphasizes the importance of righteous living—rejoicing in obedience to God—rather than mere adherence to moral standards.

4. Each Day Is a Gift (Ecclesiastes 3:13): Often, we take our days for granted, feeling entitled to them. However, recognizing that each day is a gift from God changes our perspective.

5. God Knows the Whole Plan (Ecclesiastes 3:11c & 14): The Searcher assures us that God knows the entirety of His plan, and nothing can alter it. This knowledge ought to grow our ability to trust God and stand in awe of His wisdom and sovereignty.

Conclusion

The Searcher's message in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 encourages us to shift our focus from the triggers of misery in our lives to standing in awe of God. By recognizing God's hand in all circumstances, understanding our eternal longing, prioritizing righteous living, appreciating each day as a gift, and trusting in God's comprehensive plan, we can find profound joy and fulfillment in our relationship with Him.

Let us strive to live with awe in our hearts, trusting that God's perfect timing and unwavering love will guide us through life's challenges.

Small Group Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt like you had lost control of your life? How did it affect you emotionally?

2. Share a time when you found it challenging to control your emotions. How did you cope with it?

3. Can you recall a season in your life when you struggled to keep your commitments or inner decisions? How did it make you feel?

4. Discuss the significance of finding meaning and value in your work or daily activities. How does it impact your overall well-being?

5. God has given us a holy restlessness meant to spark our desire to discover meaning and purpose. Share instances when you’ve felt this holy restlessness in your own life.

6. Discuss the difference between righteous living and right living. How does understanding this distinction help us stand in awe of God?

7. How can we cultivate gratitude for the gift of each day and live with a greater sense of awe in God's provision?

8. How does our knowledge of God’s omniscience grow our ability to trust God and stand in awe of His wisdom and sovereignty?

If you want to learn more about how to live in awe of God, Shepherd Thoughts exists to help you live out your faith. If you or a friend needs support or resources to love God and love others more, please reach out to us today. We’d love to help.