By Nancy Virden (c)2020
A scholar surrounds himself with experts from all known fields of learning. He brings in highly respected men and women from other nations to teach him the fields of science, architecture, philosophy, music, astronomy, and more. Years of this eventually earn him a reputation as the wisest man on earth, The Teacher.
Yet vast knowledge dissatisfies him and feels burdensome. No scholarly explanation, none of his unique experiences resolve his deepest questions. As he ages, he dedicates himself to the interpretation of the meaning of life.
In a brilliant piece of authorship, The Teacher journals his questions, observations, and conclusions. He notes that common difficulties trouble people randomly regardless of age, income, or social status. Injustice, oppression, corruption, and greed are found in homes of both the rich and the poor. Young men and women throw away their vibrancy on worthless worry and foolish behaviors, while more patient and wiser elderly persons grow blind, deaf, and unheard.
“All this is meaningless,” says The Teacher.
You may agree.
The conclusion of the matter
Here’s the good news! A sovereign, eternal heavenly Father offers hope for much more.
The Teacher is none other than King Solomon of about 990 BC. His journal we call the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Holy Bible. In it, he slowly moves beyond the concerns of his world into a focus on eternity. It is there he finds his answer.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Our queries and confusions, and mental health challenges are part of our search. We have the same choice Solomon had – to seek wisdom and understanding or not.
Planting our eyes on the eternal, we discover life’s meaning is to acknowledge God’s authority and obey his commands simply because he is Almighty God. We start by accepting his plan of salvation through faith in his Son Jesus.
Today’s Helpful Word
Ecclesiastes 12:9,10
Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.
*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright (c) 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.., Carlo Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved
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