Obedience in the Yes and the No

 Psalm 132:1–18 (ESV): 

1  Remember, O Lord, in David’s favour, 

all the hardships he endured, 

 2  how he swore to the Lord 

and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, 

 3  “I will not enter my house 

or get into my bed, 

 4  I will not give sleep to my eyes 

or slumber to my eyelids, 

 5  until I find a place for the Lord, 

a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 

 6  Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; 

we found it in the fields of Jaar. 

 7  “Let us go to his dwelling place; 

let us worship at his footstool!” 

 8  Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, 

you and the ark of your might. 

 9  Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, 

and let your saints shout for joy. 

 10  For the sake of your servant David, 

do not turn away the face of your anointed one. 

 11  The Lord swore to David a sure oath 

from which he will not turn back: 

  “One of the sons of your body 

I will set on your throne. 

 12  If your sons keep my covenant 

and my testimonies that I shall teach them, 

  their sons also forever 

shall sit on your throne.” 

 13  For the Lord has chosen Zion; 

he has desired it for his dwelling place: 

 14  “This is my resting place forever; 

here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 

 15  I will abundantly bless her provisions; 

I will satisfy her poor with bread. 

 16  Her priests I will clothe with salvation, 

and her saints will shout for joy. 

 17  There I will make a horn to sprout for David; 

I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. 

 18  His enemies I will clothe with shame, 

but on him his crown will shine.”

God remembers His faithful servants, whether they be paupers, kings or anything inbetween. God remembers and watches with favour those who keep their promises to Him, like David did. God loves that kind of dedication, obedience and faithfulness, and He rewards it. God does not forget what He has said, what you have done, or your quiet, steadfast dedication to Him. It is you that forgets. 

David’s passion for God caused him to feel unsettled even though he had a beautiful mansion for a home. For he knew that in some place, unknown, God’s holy presence rested in the Ark of the Covenant. David’s desire was to bring the nation to worship God, how could this happen if the presence of God that went with the nation into exile and back, is lost? This is the reason David made such a promise in the first place. Once the Ark was discovered, there had to be a permanent abode for it that was fitting for the King of Kings. David, and his team started searching, and eventually, they found the right place. David’s passion for God desired that he and the whole nation would discover what living in the presence of God was like.  So, he made his oath not to sleep until The Lord had his dwelling place amongst the nation of Israel.

When you make a promise to God and are working to fulfill it, it isn't easy. There comes a point when you wonder why you began doing it, how long it will take, and if it will get any easier. I am sure David felt like that in his search for ‘a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob’. David was so dedicated to this task that he swore that he would have no sleep until he had achieved it (v4-5). That is a brave promise! When you make an oath to God, how can you fail to fulfill your word? How did David do it? It must have got difficult for him. He must have grown tired, disappointed and anxious about finding ‘a place for the Lord’. Yet he continued diligently to complete this mission. He didn't make do or give up, his love and dedication to God caused him ti succeed in his mission to serve God and the nation in this way. David would have become exhausted and despondent journeying and searching to provide the right place. Yet he did not give up, he continued his search diligently. He was faithful to his word to The Faithful One. Remember this dedication, and let it inspire you in how you follow God and keep your promises to Him. The passion can wane, the sense of calling wither away as the reality of the hardship sets in. I wonder how long David went without sleep before he achieved his aim. He kept going in his mission, he was dedicated and demonstrated how to put God first above personal comfort and desire. Do you do the same?

When the right location of the Ark was discovered, and the right spot for the temple to be built found, God spoke to David. He made a promise for the generations of his family to come, if they were to give their hearts to God as David had. David had proved his allegiance and devotion to God, and God chose to pronounce a blessing over him and his family. Isn't that a beautiful thing! Yet God also made clear to David, that although he had searched for the Ark of the Covenant, found it, and brought i to it's dwelling place, he would not be the one to build a permanent home for it. His son, Solomon would. After all of that effort, that dedication and discomfort that David went through, how do you imagine he felt hearing that? Disappointed, relieved, angry? However, despite his own personal emotional response, David honoured this instruction from God. He did not rush off and do it himself anyway although he was the one with the passion for the project. Instead, David humbly obeyed the instruction of The Lord. 

David understood that God ideas are better than his own, and that God should have a say in who, where and when the temple, his earthly dwelling place should be constructed. So, although David had sacrificed sleep and rest in his search for the location, it did not mean that he was the man to fulfill the rest of the mission. David had to lay aside his desire to see a house of God being built. David had the vision, the plans and collected the materials, but he stopped there because God said so. How obedient are you to God when He tells you to hand over responsibility or to stop doing something?

David shows beautiful obedience and submission to God. He was powerful and rich, he cold command armies, and builders, but God said no, so David obeyed. That takes a lot of strength and trust. David did not get to see the fulfilment of his work and investment into people or the kingdom of God. Yet he came to terms with it because He knew God is faithful and trustworthy, so he obeyed. David’s passion and humility led to a glorious temple being built in Jerusalem, where the nation of Israel could come to worship. David’s dedication permitted and invited others into God’s presence. Yet he never saw a stone be laid. Do you have that level of obedience to God? To live beyond yourself and your generation to build and prepare for the kingdom of God to come, for the people to come?

You can impact nations and places through the simple obedience to seeing through the things God has given you passion and permission for, and stopping there. What are you passionate about doing for The Lord? Submit your ideas and passions to Him, and trust Him even if His plans are different to yours. Then you will be blessed, and so will others for generations ot come. 

Is God your co-worker?

 Psalm 127:1–5 (ESV):  

1  Unless the Lord builds the house, 

those who build it labour in vain. 

  Unless the Lord watches over the city, 

the watchman stays awake in vain. 

 2  It is in vain that you rise up early 

and go late to rest, 

  eating the bread of anxious toil; 

for he gives to his beloved sleep. 

 3  Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, 

the fruit of the womb a reward. 

 4  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior 

are the children of one’s youth. 

 5  Blessed is the man 

who fills his quiver with them! 

  He shall not be put to shame 

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. 

Whether you are building something, or watching over something or someone, you cannot do it well if you’re doing it without God! It doesn’t matter if you are building something big or small, or if you are watching over one person, a family, community, or a city, don’t do it without inviting God into the situation. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, had discovered that doing life without God ‘it is in vain’. Through his considerations and research, he noticed that if you are working hard, trying to figure out problems and using your own capacity to complete the load, there is no satisfaction, rest or success because God is not involved. This does not mean that you should do nothing, this psalm isn’t about being idle. Solomon clearly expects there to be some kind of work for you to do. His insight is to get on with it WITH God. For God has given you tasks to get on with, people to care about and things to build, but not on your own. Your daily endeavours should be a co-partnership with The Lord God Almighty. Are you taking your load, and are you allowing God to take His?

Often people are stressed, overworked and anxious because they feel the weight of responsibility for whatever it is they are tasked with. They work hard to figure out solutions, wonder about progressing, how to fix or build things, and solve people’s problems. They rightly care about whatever it is they are doing for God has given them that opportunity. The problem is that people can forget that God was involved in providing this work, and the influence they have there, instead they think that it all depends on them. For those who are not yet believers in God, it is true that the workload is dependent on their capacity, kindness, strength and knowledge. They have to rely on their own abilities, for who else is there to help them? As a believer, you are not in the same position. You have a very capable, creative, understanding and powerful co-worker. The question is, are you using Him? Are you doing what you need to do with God, or working as hard as you can alone?

It is easy to slip into just getting on with it, using your own capabilities and capacity, only thinking to invite God in when it gets tough. If this is the case for you, Solomon is telling you that you are working ‘in vain’. You could have God’s help, strength and advice all of the time! Think about having God present and active in your workplace, home or community - can you imagine what would happen, the rapport between workmates, the breakthroughs in situations, the favour and success? Are you allowing this to happen, or are you getting in the way, by doing it all yourself?

Think about this; when you are relying on your own abilities, even if you have great capacity and skills, they are pretty small when compared to God. When you rely on your own strength and capacity, it is minuscule in comparison to the strength of the Lord. So you are going to suffer, and quite possibly make things worse, when you do not allow God room to participate with you. You can get up early and go to bed late in order to get things done, you can lose sleep, fret over situations and work as hard as you can, but for what?! It is in vain. When you do things by yourself, because you feel you can handle it, or you want to achieve something yourself, that is pride (vanity). You were never designed to work alone. Neglecting to work alongside God makes your life harder. It also isn’t very successful and leads to ‘anxious toil’ and sleeplessness (v2). You were designed to work alongside the Lord, not instead of Him. You are allowed to not worry and to rest. 

If what you are doing causes you stress and worry, like it does for everyone else, how are you any different to those who do not have God in their lives? Resting and working knowing that God is with you will help you avoid anxious toil, being overburdened and losing sleep. In whatever you have to do, you need to allow space for God to reveal Himself. If you are busy doing everything, how much are you allowing God to do? and how are you demonstrating your faith in Him? Remind yourself that God can do all things, you can’t. God gives you responsibility, work to do, and people to lead, but you do not have full authority or responsibility, He does. God desires that you share the load with Him, then you can rest and work well. With such a powerful co-worker, imagine what could happen.

Mountain of God

 Psalm 125:1–5 (ESV):  

1  Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, 

which cannot be moved, but abides forever. 

 2  As the mountains surround Jerusalem, 

so the Lord surrounds his people, 

from this time forth and forevermore. 

 3  For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest 

on the land allotted to the righteous, 

  lest the righteous stretch out 

their hands to do wrong. 

 4  Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, 

and to those who are upright in their hearts! 

 5  But those who turn aside to their crooked ways 

the Lord will lead away with evildoers! 

Peace be upon Israel! 

Those who believe in God are like a mountain - formidable, unmovable, and constant. God’s people have constancy and permanence, reassurance and companionship, because together they cannot be moved and they are going to withstand, forever! When you gather with other believers, you are joining something abiding and immoveable, constant and eternal. If you need permanence and reassurance in your life, surely this gives you inspiration and hope. God's people, His church are like a mountain, secure and everlasting. Since the beginning, there have been God' people on the Earth, and no matter the problems, persecution and temptations that come, there is always a faithful remnant that remain as solid, faithful and constant as a mountain. Are you one such believer?

Not only are the people of God a magnificent mountain, but they also have the certainty and protection of God supporting and surrounding them too, as God is described in this psalm as a range of mountains (v1-2). God enhances His people’s solidarity as He provides security by His presence. He is bigger, greater and all encompassing, now and forever! God constantly and reliably surrounds His people for their security, safety and protection. This psalm provides an assurance of God’s continuous presence with His people. So, if you ever feel unsure or unsettled, recall to your mind that God’s people are ‘like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved', surrounded by the love and faithfulness of God 'forevermore'. 

Another guarantee in this psalm is that ‘the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous’. There will be wickedness in existence, that is sure, but it does not have permission to become permanent in the places given to God’s people. Righteous people have an awareness of, and come across wickedness in their lives, yet they are not surrounded by it, for they are already surrounded - by the constant, protective, eternal Almighty God! Sometimes as God’s people, we forget that. It can be easy to see evil practices and wickedness, as it is different and unacceptable to the way of God, so it stands out like a stain on a garment. Yet, it is only a blot, and although noticeable does not effect the function of the garment. The stain can be removed, it is not permanent and does not need to effect the rest of the clothing. Sometimes we see wickedness as obviously as a stain, and focus on this, rather than looking at the stability and faithfulness of the godly believers. Those who are surrounded by the love, care and protection of the best stain remover there is! The reality, as described in this psalm, is that sin and wickedness are not permanent features in the 'land allotted to the righteous'. So do not get distracted by the influence of evil or the impact of sin. Do not get sidetracked yourself by doing what you know you shouldn't, but if you do, thank God that through Jesus every blot and stain can be removed from your life. It has no permanence for God has dealt with it all through Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Temptation is difficult to combat, but the New Testament promises us that when you ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7). Evil cannot remain amongst God’s people, although this psalm recognises that some will be ‘lead away with evildoers’. don’t let that be you - remain on the mountain, resist the devil, and remain faithful to God. It is up to you whether you remain within the mountain of believers, surrounded by the security of God's love, constancy and forgiveness, or ‘turn aside’ to the influences of evil around you. Righteousness leads to becoming a mountain with fellow believers. Going astray leads to instability and unrest. Where do you choose to dwell? Are you settling your life onto the mountain of believers, surrounded by the love, power and constancy of God? 

When you seek change, are you prepared for the change to start with you?

 Psalm 72:1–20 (ESV):  

1  Give the king your justice, O God, 

and your righteousness to the royal son! 

2  May he judge your people with righteousness, 

and your poor with justice! 

3  Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, 

and the hills, in righteousness! 

4  May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, 

give deliverance to the children of the needy, 

and crush the oppressor! 

5  May they fear you while the sun endures, 

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! 

6  May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, 

like showers that water the earth! 

7  In his days may the righteous flourish, 

and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 

8  May he have dominion from sea to sea, 

and from the River to the ends of the earth! 

9  May desert tribes bow down before him, 

and his enemies lick the dust! 

10  May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands 

render him tribute; 

may the kings of Sheba and Seba 

bring gifts! 

11  May all kings fall down before him, 

all nations serve him! 

12  For he delivers the needy when he calls, 

the poor and him who has no helper. 

13  He has pity on the weak and the needy, 

and saves the lives of the needy. 

14  From oppression and violence he redeems their life, 

and precious is their blood in his sight. 

15  Long may he live; 

may gold of Sheba be given to him! 

May prayer be made for him continually, 

and blessings invoked for him all the day! 

16  May there be abundance of grain in the land; 

on the tops of the mountains may it wave; 

may its fruit be like Lebanon; 

and may people blossom in the cities 

like the grass of the field! 

17  May his name endure forever, 

his fame continue as long as the sun! 

May people be blessed in him, 

all nations call him blessed! 

18  Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, 

who alone does wondrous things. 

19  Blessed be his glorious name forever; 

may the whole earth be filled with his glory! 

Amen and Amen! 

20  The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. 

Solomon (the king’s son) here is asking for God to give him the character and gifts needed to lead the nation well. He knows he will inherit the throne of his father, David, so he is preparing himself to lead. Therefore as he takes on this mammoth task, he asks for God’s help and blessing in the role. He is clearly not confident or sure of what he will need to do, but he is sure that God can help him and the nation. He prays for the kind of rule he wants, and the kind of kingdom that anyone would like to lead - righteous, just, prosperous, protected, free and God-honouring. Solomon knows that he cannot achieve this alone, and he knows the battles his father has fought to protect this people, so he is under no illusion that being monarch is going to be easy! Therefore he asks God for help, and for his character to be moulded into the king that the nation needs. Solomon is prepared to do the hard work of changing himself in otder to be the vessel God and the Israelites need (notice all the times he says 'may he'). When you pray for change, are you prepared for the change to start with you?

Solomon understands that in order to lead the nation into peace and justice that he will have to handle judgements and he desires to do that right. He needs the spirit of God to help him discern, so he asks. He goes to God and asks Him to help, do you? Whatever is needed to do the tasks you are given in life, do you ask God to help you do them well? Solomon did. He knew change was required for the benefit of the people he was serving, and he asks God for it even if that means he has to change, learn and stretch himself. Solomon recognises that he needs to take responsibility, but it is scary and too big a job for him. His vision and ideal reign will be peaceful and prosperous, so he asks God to deliver it and transform him into the kind of person that can lead a nation like that. He firstly asks to become just and righteous (v1-2), then he goes onto ask for courage to defend those with the least and defeat ‘the oppressor’ (v4), next he asks that he refreshes the people of Israel (v6-7). He does not want to be a burden, but a blessing, He wants to enable the country to flourish, and so realises that there are expectations and responsibilities that he needs to take on that he doesn’t feel ready for. Therefore he needs the power of God to come! To change him, to provide and go before him. 

Solomon must have learnt from his Dad how to pray! He must have seen him crying out in distress, praising and petitioning God for help. He may have read some of the songs and prayers David wrote. He had seen the success of a life lived depending on God, and reigning from an attitude of God first, and so he copied this successful way. Solomon had seen that the fear of God from the king will cause the nation to prosper (v5). As he wants to rule well and for a long time (v6-7), for a wide expanse of land (v8-11) in a peaceful time, and for the nation to be renowned for peace, justice and prosperity, Solomon knows he has to look to God for it. He trusts God for the things yet unknown and unrealised because he has experienced the success of his father's relationship with God and seen how that has brought salvation and restoration to Israel. So as the time approaches for him to be the leader, he desires to continue to develop and grow the nation into goodness. He was aware that David and his mother,  Bathsheba, were preparing him to be king, so he wanted to prepare himself. Therefore he sought God so that he could become the man God needed to rule Israel. He was prepared for the change to start with him.

We know that these things Solomon prayed for came about. Israel knew peace and prosperity during his reign, and he was known as a wise and just king, other kings voluntarily paid homage to Solomon voluntarily (v10). God gave Solomon what he had asked for. After all, Solomon had prayed for what God desired already, and so it came about plus Solomon was willing to change himself first in order to complete his job well. He asked God for His assistance in the everyday things that he needed to do, knowing that there was personal development required, and he trusted God with the vision he had for the future. We can read this psalm and conclude that Solomon was asking for the perfect nation, and why not?! Why limit your expectations of what God can do? Solomon didn’t, and look at the nation of Israel when he ruled - he was known to be wise and just, and Israel was a peaceful and prosperous nation with other kings and queens voluntarily bringing him gifts and learning from him. Solomon prayed for big things, and God delivered. Solomon allowed himself to be changed first so that the nation could be transformed, and it happened. When you desire change, are you prepared for it to start with you?  Will you ask God to help and prepare you for today and the future, asking Him to help you be the change He needs?

Becoming the bride of Christ

 Psalm 45:1–17 (ESV):  

1  My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; 

I address my verses to the king; 

my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 

2  You are the most handsome of the sons of men; 

grace is poured upon your lips; 

therefore God has blessed you forever. 

3  Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, 

in your splendour and majesty! 

4  In your majesty ride out victoriously 

for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; 

let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! 

5  Your arrows are sharp 

in the heart of the king’s enemies; 

the peoples fall under you. 

6  Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. 

The sceptre of your kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness; 

7  you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. 

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you 

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 

8  your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. 

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 

9  daughters of kings are among your ladies of honour; 

at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 

10  Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: 

forget your people and your father’s house, 

11  and the king will desire your beauty. 

Since he is your lord, bow to him. 

12  The people of Tyre will seek your favour with gifts, 

the richest of the people. 

13  All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. 

14  In many-coloured robes she is led to the king, 

with her virgin companions following behind her. 

15  With joy and gladness they are led along 

as they enter the palace of the king. 

16  In place of your fathers shall be your sons; 

you will make them princes in all the earth. 

17  I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; 

therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. 

Written about Solomon, the wisest and richest king that ever lived, we can see the honour and love which the nation had for him. They see the favour of God upon him, possibly more so than his father, David, as Solomon lived in the goodness of the victories that his father had won. Although this psalm has been written to honour and commend king Solomon to his new bride, it can also clearly be applied to Jesus and his bride, the church. For a man other than Jesus cannot display these qualities as magnificently as the Son of God. So, as we read and consider this piece of writing, take into account the fact that this writer not only commends marriage between man and woman, but also commends the greater calling of us being united in love to God.

The psalmist recognises the splendour of the groom - not just in appearance, majesty or riches but in character and worth. These attributes are far more attractive than any physical beauty or financial benefit. This psalm recommends the groom to his bride by showing how he is; kind, courageous, meek, gracious, capable and honest. On this basis the writer encourages the bride to be all in on this marriage. The groom seeks her beauty and she in return will benefit from his loving, generous and kind nature. If she gives herself fully into the arms of her husband and embraces his kingdom then she will prosper as a wife. The psalmist is encouraging this marriage and shows concern and desire for this marriage to be successful as they can see the future benefit of such a union. This is true for the marriage of Solomon and his Egyptian wife as well as for Jesus and His bride, the church. 

The reality of marriage is that although it is a joyous time that people gather to celebrate, it also contains a terrifying reality for the bride. She has to leave all she has known, her family, her nation, culture, associated faiths and beliefs in order to become a wife. She has to give up what she has known in order to become a bride and then a wife. Yet as the psalmist assures, ' In place of your fathers shall be your sons'. Although the requirement for marriage is a giving up and forgetting of the previous way of life, the promise is for fruitfulness and prosperity. Is not the same true if you desire to become a follower of God and part of the bride of Christ?!

If you follow God and are ‘all in’, then you too will prosper in His kingdom. Your life will be fruitful and splendid if you live to serve and honour Jesus. Yet you too have to turn away from the things that have previously been important in your life. Things need to change and your reliance given over to the groom if you are to be a successful wife. God desires you to be part of His kingdom, but are you prepared to make the sacrifices that are required? It is tough, so you should, ‘consider, and incline your ear’. The requirement is that you 'forget your people and your father’s house’. Those that you once depended upon for love, guidance, fun and fulfilment cannot have the same level of influence any more if you are living as a follower of God. If you have decided to become the bride of Christ then your focus and your priority is your groom, Jesus. Everything else needs to be in light of that. If there are relationships that do not honour your union with God then you need to ‘forget’ them. This is painful. The psalmist recognises this, and this is why they call the bride to ‘consider’ the reality of becoming a bride. However the benefits of becoming a bride far outweigh the sacrifices that you’ll need to make, but it is still a life change and one you should be realistic about.

When you see your groom, what do you see? 

His; beauty, majesty, splendour, grace, meekness, righteousness, power, honesty, courage, victory and riches? If you decide to live your life with Jesus, you are partnering with one who has all of these attributes. Would you like to be meaningfully partnered with someone like that? If so, consider the things that you need to exchange in your life in order to become a faithful bride of Christ, and then enter into a relationship with God in, ‘joy and gladness’. A wedding is a celebration, a joyful and happy occasion. Yes it signifies difference and an ending of a previous life, but the promise is that you will leave a legacy that can impact the generations to come when you invest in your relationship with the King of heaven.

Psalm 127 - part 1

As you enter a new year, have you thought about what are you worried about this coming year? Are you concerned for your family? Your community? Your nation? Your life? finances? security? Work? 

Take comfort as you read the following psalm;

127

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. 

*1* Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 

*2* It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 

If you are starting off the year worried, pause to consider, are you letting God build into your life? Or are you striving under your own power and inspiration? 

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain’. It may be something good or positive that you are trying to build, but is God in it? Is He in command and are you doing the part He wants you to? If not, then you are basically wasting your time. Going round in stressful circles and not achieving much. God wants to be allowed to take the stress, the time frames, the projections, hopes and aspirations and show you what He can do. You don’t need to do it all or try to fix everything. For God knows what will succeed and what will fail, so surely it is a good idea to get His take on things. If you are fed up of your, ‘labour in vain’, then why not invite God into what you are trying to build and see what He can do with it all. As you begin this year, before you make those resolutions, why not take time to consider is it in vain, or is God helping and motivating you? 

It may not be work, finance or making something in life that you’re concerned about, what about safety and security? The same goes for those aspects of life too. God is the best watchman - He doesn’t fall asleep or get distracted. A watchman looks out and spots trouble coming, checking the security and safety of what they have responsibility for. God can be a watchman for you. It doesn’t mean that trouble is going to disappear, but you can rest assured that God is there watching and expecting. Therefore you can rest. You can relax and rest as eventhough you do not know what is going to happen, you can have the assurance that God does and He is ready and waiting. There is no point losing sleep over the things that you are worried about but can do nothing to change, instead ask God to watch over the things that concern you. Having sleepless nights and troubled thoughts is in vain - it doesn’t change anything other than the fact you will be tired and grumpy! How about this year, give yourself a break from stress and worry and hand things over to the faithful watchman who can guide, protect and look after each person that you care  about.

Oh, v2, I am sure many will be living this right now, ‘anxious toil’. Christmas is known as a time when many overspend, and January a time when people regret it. In the world at present it is also a time of financial uncertainty, increased bills, unknown income. A time when people look at their bank balance and wonder how on earth they are going to be at zero at the end of the month let alone have money leftover. Yet here in v2, we are clearly told not to worry and stress about it. We can work ourselves into ‘anxious toil’, trying to burn the candle at both ends just trying to make ends meet, puzzling over the bank balance or working hard to try and earn a bit more, the reality is even then we don’t always manage to make it work. What does working like that achieve? Anxiety, tiredness, stress, sickness; ‘anxious toil’. This verse tells us it is futile. Instead we can know rest and sleep even when we are concerned about work, bills etc.

How? By knowing that you are ‘his beloved’ and He wants to give you a break. If you are one of God’s children, then you are his beloved, and as someone dearly loved and cared for, you can trust that God has got it all in hand. He can give you rest from anxiety and toil when you really trust Him. Know who you are to Him, then that will give you peace and comfort. Your situation may not change, but when you trust God to love you, then you will find rest. Not just sleep, but the rest you need from the stresses and strains of life too. 

These first 2 verses show that there is nothing too big for God. He can handle your dreams, your prospects, your household, family, work life, finances, safety and protection. God can take care of all of it. Are you trusting Him to?

Forgotten Wisdom

'13*I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. *14*There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. *15*But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. *16*But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard. 
*17*The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. *18*Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.' 
Ecclesiastes 9:13–18.

The verses above show that times have not changed.
Those who are strong and virile are upheld, honoured and celebrated, yet the poor and wise are overlooked, forgotten and ignored. This was true in Solomon’s time, Jesus’ time and is still true in our time. The world and humanity have not changed; we still celebrate strength, might, power, renown and wealth - we even have competitions and wars to prove who are the strongest. The poor, intelligent, weak, unknown and wise are all too easily forgotten. The strongest and fastest are commemorated and given great honour, yet the minds involved in incredible ground-breaking discoveries are often forgotten.

We can all probably name the fastest or strongest men of our time, yet how about the name of the person who has made a significant scientific breakthrough or incredible discovery? Who is the world’s most inspiring engineer? The wisest man or woman on Earth? I’m not sure many of us could name any - No-one remembers the poor wise man.

Don’t get me wrong, we do acknowledge some levels of wisdom - we can all name some of the most famous scientists of all time; how about Einstein or Newton? But they are only really remembered because we still use their formulas and theories. We can now recognise the great value of the wisdom they had. At the time they lived, the impact of what they knew was limited. Einstein, even though he was a Nobel prize winner, an acclaimed scientist, had an audience with government officials - we could consider that he was not forgotten, after all most people have heard of him, we can believe that he is remembered and revered - but did you know he warned US government of the danger of developing nuclear weapons? Yet did the countries listen to this wise man’s advice? Even though the wisdom of Einstein was acclaimed, valued and respected, like in the story Solomon relays, the words of the wise man fall on deaf ears, ‘the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.’ No-one seems  to of listened to Einstein. For we all know the terror of the use of nuclear weapons - the effects are still felt, yet one wise  man’s advice could of saved a city, even a nation from the havoc, chaos and horror of nuclear weapons. However, the advice of the wise is not heeded.

Consider the difference listening to Einstein would have made to the lives of many. This one poor wise man had stood up and made a recommendation to the rulers of the time to warn and stay away from the fatal effects of this power, yet no one listened. It is sad, isn’t it?
We can look back and see the folly of nations, and of humanity because they have failed to heed the small voice of wisdom that with great foresight and bravery has been spoken, yet time and again people have failed to listen.

Don’t be someone who fails to listen.

Don’t be like the fools. Don’t detest wisdom. If someone speaks the small voice of wisdom into your life do not despise it, do not turn away from it, even if it is something you do not want to hear, but weigh the words of the poor wise man (or woman). Let the wise speak and be valued in your life, you never know what nuclear disasters you will avoid by taking the road of wisdom.

Then, when you do take the advice of the wise, do not forget where that wisdom came from. Do not be one that forgets, but be one that recommends, honours and upholds the wise. Give them the credit they deserve. Don’t allow the wise In your life be overlooked and forgotten, repay them with your gratitude and honour them.

Don’t be someone who ignores or forgets the wise.

‘But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.’

Value your life

Some instructions from Solomon, the wisest King of Israel:

*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. 
*8*Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. 
*9*Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. *10*Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. 
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10.

This passage may seem like a simple list of values, they are quite basic elements of life really. But, maybe Solomon is encouraging us to go back to basics to get the most out of the ‘vain life’ we have here on Earth. Sometimes it is the little things that effect us most either by their presence or absence. Amongst these verses I had 10 thoughts about what Solomon is advising us to do. Consider as you read them - Do you apply them to your own life? What difference would it make if you did?

1. ‘Go, eat your bread with joy’  - Be content. Give your body what it needs, and appreciate that you have it. Enjoy nourishing your body. If your body is satisfied then this can effect your mental and emotional state too. Take care of the body God has given you, and enjoy doing it.

2. ‘drink your wine with a merry heart' - Enjoy what you have. Set your heart and mind to be appreciative, grateful. Take pleasure in the simple things.

3. ‘God has already approved what you do’ - Quit worrying. You are approved and accepted. There is no need to worry about what you have/haven’t done, you are already accepted and valued just as you are. You are who you are meant to be so have confidence.

4. ‘Let your garments be always white’ - Be innocent. Don’t do things you are unsure of, don’t be compromised, but lead a life that is free from reproach. Live in innocence, don’t get entangled in things you know or suspect are not right.

5.  ‘Let not oil be lacking on your head’ - Hold your head up high, know your own righteousness, don’t live feeling guilty, but live forgiven and free from sin. You are anointed, you have been set apart and are of value and worth. Live life knowing that.

6. ‘Enjoy life with the wife whom you love’ - Enjoy your family and appreciate marriage. Take time to have fun with your family. Play games, go out, be silly and have a good time with your spouse, and if you don’t have one, do the the same with those who are important to you.

7. ‘Enjoy life….. because that is your portion in life’ - You have one life, so live it, enjoy what you have, eat, drink and be merry - take opportunities to stretch, challenge and have fun. God gave us this life that we may live, not so that we could be dull and bored, but He has given much to be enjoyed - don’t get so busy or distracted that you miss out on that joy.

8. ‘that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun’ - Your spouse and family are given to you to give you relief and enjoyment in the trouble of life. Marriage can be hard work, but it can also be enjoyed. The hard work of married life will be of benefit for the rest of your life. You have been given the family situation you are in for a reason. It may seem like hard work at times, but it can also keep you going in the toil of employment and life in general.

9. ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might’ - Work hard. Don’t hold back, don’t cut corners, have integrity. Work hard at what you have the opportunity to do right now. It may not be the dream job, the end goal, but don't lose focus of the value of what you have in your hands to do now. Do it and do it well.

10. ‘there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.’ - Ahhh, this passage ends with the joyous thought that we are going to die! One day this life will be over so appreciate what you’ve got whilst you’ve got it; Use the; imagination, knowledge and wisdom God has given you whilst you’ve got it. One day it will be too late to do so.

In summary - enjoy the life God has given you, appreciate all the parts that make up your life and know your value in it. Don't hold back in employment, family life or having fun!

What are you living for?

As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. *3*This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. *4*But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. *5*For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. *6*Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. 
*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. 
Ecclesiastes 9:2–7.

Well, isn’t this inspiring?!
This section of scripture can sound a bit depressing, quite stark, a bit of a downer. It shows us that no matter what kind of person you are - you will die. It doesn’t matter if you are kind or not, generous or not, a christian or not, you will die. That is the end for us all. It doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is like, the things you do to prolong or enhance your existence, you will, one day, die. We don’t tend to like to think about it, but it is true. Just as true as the fact that you came into existence, you will also cease to exist on Earth.
Solomon seems fascinated by this fact. He, the wisest man on Earth, is consumed by the purpose of this finite life. He searched for meaning - an explanation of what life is about. He realised that it so quickly ceases, so there must be a reason for the life lived. Solomon saw and experienced a great many things; good and evil, wisdom and folly, rich and poor, and he still couldn’t make sense of it all.  All he discovered was that it all ends, whatever kind of life you have, it ends. One day it won’t matter how much; money, power or influence, you have, because in the blink of an eye you could be dead and all of that will vanish. As the verses above say - once you’re dead you know nothing, you get no reward from your endeavours, even the memory of who you are and what you’ve done will die, you’ll never see the sun again or gain anything from what’s on Earth. So, in light of these considerations, it raises the question - What are you living for?

What are you living for? 

If you know at some point you are going to die, you know your life is finite, how are you living in light of that?

Solomon, a man of unfathomable wisdom, discovered that the best way to live life is to look at life back-to-front. He considered the fact that we are all going to die, and from there considered what the important things in life are. Surely, having the reality of death in the forefront of our minds should effect the way we live now. Solomon shows that we should live like we are going to die. There are few people that know the reality of this - some do - I particularly think of those given a terminal diagnosis. They know their life on Earth is ending, so they say the things they have been afraid to say,  aim to restore relationships, organise money and possessions. They learn to appreciate the everyday things and every minute they have. People who live like they are going to die make different decisions in their lives, their outlook is different because they know it all soon be over. They will take enjoyment from flowers, the sun, their breakfast, the holding of a hand or the fun of a game. They may have a last minute, once in a lifetime experience, do something they have always wanted to do. They may forgive people, become braver and kinder - choosing to leave this world with no animosity, anger or regret. People do not want to die with envy and hate in their hearts, or even leave that behind for others. People seek peace and contentment, joy and comfort in their last days. So, why should we live our lives any different?

What if we all started looking at life like that - Living like we are going to die?
What would you change about your life? Experiences? Relationships? Time? Who do you need to forgive? What do you need to take up or give up? Is there something you want to work towards?

Don’t put these things off to another day, another year - who knows how many you’ve got left? Once your time is over there’s no replay, you cannot live this life again. You’ve got one shot, so what are you going to do about it?
Appreciate the life you have got and make the most of it - Live like you are going to die.

The little things

I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. 
Ecclesiastes 8:15.

Find reasons to be cheerful.

This seems to be the essence of what Solomon is saying here. It is the everyday things, the basic things, the necessities, the things that most of us take for granted, that we  should take note of and enjoy. Yet how much do we take notice of the simple things? let alone take time to enjoy them?

We should, ‘eat drink and be joyful’. I eat and drink during the day, but I don’t even really think about it. I take for granted that once I’ve finished this drink, I can get another, and it’ll probably taste the same, just like food, it’s tasty, and fuels my body, but I don’t really think about it too much. Maybe I should start to.  With many of us living a hectic lifestyle, enjoyment and appreciation of the basic things of life seem to pale into insignificance compared to the latest work project, the next obstacle or achievement we are faced with.

We can get so consumed by the big things of life; the successes, disappointments and struggles that we can miss something of the beauty of the small things. However, they are no less powerful and important than the next big thing in our life. In fact, the small things are probably most important - you certainly notice it when you don’t eat or drink for a while! So, why are we so consumed with other things? Why do we give them  more time and energy than the things that we actually need? The necessities of life can be overlooked so easily, it is hard to enjoy them as Solomon recommends we do.

Yet, If we appreciated and accounted for all the basic things we have, how can we cease to be grateful and joyful?!
In fact, if we counted up all our basic needs that are met each and everyday they would all mount up to a significant mountain! If we consider all the little blessings in our lives, how could we fail to see the joy and blessing in our lives?

If anyone reading this is feeling down and despondent, I can understand that the struggles of life can weigh you down, things can get on top of you and you can feel alone and distraught, so, instead of focussing on whatever it is that is causing you to feel defeated, I encourage you not to lose sight of the small things. Consider all the basic things in your life that you have, the little things to be grateful for. The beauty of a flower, the refreshment of a good cuppa, your favourite pair of shoes, whatever it is that makes you smile, think about these things. When you do this, you will see that, in fact, you have a the mountain of blessings that far outweigh your biggest problem. We all have many basic things to be happy about and when you see life in this light, you can start tackling your problem in a new way.

‘eat and drink and be joyful’ 
Could this be the wisdom of Solomon? To enjoy the things we have, to be content, have gratitude and to rely not our own selves but on God?

Another translation of this verse is;  ’I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.’ (New Living Translation).

Today, count your blessings, consider the little gifts of joy God has given you.

Don't be too much

16*Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? *17*Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? *18*
Ecclesiastes 7:16–18.

‘Be not overly righteous’ - is that possible? Can we be TOO righteous? Can we be too justified?
‘Too wise’ how can anyone be too wise? does anyone know too much? Is anyone too clever?
How about ‘overly wicked’? We all probably agree that being wicked on any scale is not good, so why do we have here that we can be TOO wicked?
These verses can seem a bit odd, they seem to be saying that to be extreme in any quality, good or bad, is a bit over-the-top, and can 'destroy us', even the qualities think we should have.
I think Solomon is trying to warn us either not to become too focussed on these qualities or not to over-exaggerate them.

If we become too focussed on any one part of our life we lose focus on who we are, who God is and what we are built for, even if our focus seems to be something worthy and desirable like righteousness or wisdom. We can become absorbed in the pursuit and so become negligent of other areas of our lives. To be constantly striving after anything can be detrimental to our health and cause distance between us and others. It doesn’t do our mind, body or spirit any good to be striving after our passions whatever they may be, even if the intention is good.
I wonder if Solomon is showing through these verses that the passionate drive for wisdom and righteousness is just as destructive as the passionate drive for wickedness and foolishness. Maybe Solomon is trying to show us that the drive for even good things can, ‘destroy yourself’.
There is nothing wrong in wisdom or seeking righteousness, but are these things a constant pressure and worry on your mind? Do you feel good enough just as you are? You do not need to work hard to be made right with God nor to be acceptable to those around you. You are in enough in who you are. You don’t need to strive to be different or to be more than you are.

The other aspect of these verses concerns exaggeration. about not pretending to be more than you are. Just as we concluded the previous paragraph - you are enough in who you are, who you naturally are. Don’t exaggerate your personality or your experiences, don’t overdo who you portray yourself to be.
Why not? Because one day you will be found out. One day your wisdom will fail you, or you’ll err and you’ll be found to be not-so-righteous. Solomon also invites us not to be, 'overly wicked', we still sometimes do bad things, we can act in wicked ways, even as christians. Solomon has seen that this can end with 'destroying yourself'. We know the areas we each struggle in, and it is ok to make mistakes, but are you constantly getting yourself into the same trouble? If so then you need to exercise self-control and ask God for help to overcome the issue. Also, we dot need to play on our weaknesses. we don't have to pretend that we are worse than we are. we may think this helps others relate to us, but, if we confess to be christians, then we should be able to handle 'wickedness' differently. Then we come down to foolishness, the last of the qualities mentioned. How can we be foolish? Foolishness, being silly, not considering the effects of our actions, these things can be fools as well as just being a joker and playing about. Foolishness is not about having fun, of course life should be fun, but if your fun is at the expense of others then it is foolish.

Solomon tells us not to be 'overly' any of these things. Don’t play up or down your wickedness, foolishness, wisdom or righteousness. you don't need to show off who you are or even who God is. If you do, one day it will backfire. People see through the hype, the exaggeration and realise the truth. Don't be fake, be a person of integrity.
You don’t need to play up to the person people expect you to be or whom you think you should be. You don’t need to pretend or strive to be; more wise, foolish, righteous or wicked than you already are. Just live your life as it is. This will demonstrate the fruit of what God has done more than any hype or exaggeration can, you do not need to put on an act, it's hardwork.
If you are natural and accepting of your own levels of righteousness, wisdom, foolishness and wickedness then you have integrity and people will respect you for who you are and they will probably see you as a regular human being, just like themselves - what better way to demonstrate God's great love for them? If God loves and accepts you just as you are, then surely there's hope that He will love and accept them too?!

A Good Name

‘A good name is better than precious ointment’ 
Ecclesiastes 7:1

A 'good name' - what does that mean?
A name is more than an identifier - a tag or label to set you apart from others.
For the Jews, in the time of Solomon, a name signified something of who they are and what they will be. In 1 Samuel 25:25 it says, ‘as his name is, so is he’ - a name is about the essence of who you are, not just what you are called. It is more than an identifier, it depicts elements of character, personality and potential.

So, to be of ‘good name’ is not just about having a nice name with a meaning or story. It is far more foundational. Being of ‘good name’ is connected with the basis of who we are - our character, reputation and potential. Our name emanates meaning beyond a title. It is not just a tag but a fundamental exhibitiion of who we are.

Your name carries significance. 

Not just because your parents chose it, or because it has a a sweet story attached, but because your character, reputation and potential are attached to it. It may be that you’re not sure about the meaning of your name.
My name, ‘Natalie’  is attached to the words birth and Christmas Day (I was born in April!). So, I may be excused from thinking that my name is irrelevant, as I clearly wasn’t born on Christmas and I have never given birth! Maybe I was just given the name because my parents’ thought it sounded nice.
Yet, this verse tells us there is more to it than that, as does the verse in Samuel. We have our names for a purpose. They are intended to demonstrate something of who we are and what we can become. I do not know how I will live up to my name, but I have been given it and maybe there are things that will be given birth to through my life (I hope so).

It’s not all about the actual name definitions found in every baby book, but to have a good name includes having a good, moral, upright, and admired character. Solomon is saying a good name is highly valued, precious, significant, they are ‘precious ointment’ - something valuable and curative. Our names should do people good when they hear them, they should leave others with a pleasant aroma.

What does your name say about you? Have you ever considered the connotations people will have to your name after meeting you? Does your name seem precious to those who utter it?