Living Fully, Remembering Our Creator
Insights from Ecclesiastes 11:7—12:8 | With reflections from the Grace and Truth Study Bible
"Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity."
— Ecclesiastes 11:7–8
As Solomon draws his reflections to a close, his words carry an urgency—Live fully, rejoice deeply, and remember your Creator. He doesn’t paint life as a grim existence to be endured but as a gift meant to be savored, all while holding eternity in view.
He encourages the young to embrace joy, to walk freely in the blessings of youth, yet to remember that life is fleeting and accountability to God is certain (Ecclesiastes 11:9). This isn’t a call to reckless living, but to joyful, reverent exploration, knowing that every moment carries eternal weight.
The aging process Solomon describes in Ecclesiastes 12 is sobering. He poetically portrays the inevitable decline of the body—fading memory, trembling hands, weakened legs, and the slow march toward the grave. Yet his purpose isn’t to discourage, but to awaken us. Now is the time to remember God, to entrust every day to Him, and to live in the fullness He provides.
A Burning Candle
Imagine your life as a candle. In youth, the flame burns brightly, casting warmth and light. But as time passes, the wax melts, the wick shortens, and the flame flickers lower. One day, the flame will naturally go out. Solomon isn’t urging us to fear the candle’s end but to let its light shine brilliantly while it burns. Let every moment be lived in the radiance of God’s goodness, trusting in His design for every phase of life.
Joy in the Present, Hope in Eternity
Solomon's words remind us that joy and reverence are not at odds. We can embrace the beauty of today without ignoring the reality of tomorrow. We live in a world where everything is temporary, yet through Christ, we are made new and given eternal hope (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Death is not the end but a doorway, and because of Jesus' resurrection, we have nothing to fear. Life under the sun may be fleeting, but life in the Son is eternal.
A Prayer of Trust in God's Perfect Provision
Father,
We rejoice in the life You have graciously given us. Every breath, every joy, and every challenge is held securely in Your hands. You have filled our days with light and meaning, and even as time passes and our strength fades, we rest in the truth that You sustain us. Thank You for providing all we need to live fully and joyfully in You. We trust You with the days ahead, knowing You hold every moment and every season in perfect wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought
Life is fleeting, but it is filled with divine purpose. May we live joyfully and reverently, remembering our Creator in every season. Let our lives burn brightly for His glory, trusting that He holds both our present and our eternity.