Daily Devotionals

'Every Day Light' with Selwyn Hughes

Devotional: August 23rd

For Reading and Meditation:
     Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

An explanation is necessary for Solomon's reference to death in the verses we read yesterday: "In the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (v. 10). Death, to Old Testament saints, was a mystery. They believed in life after death, but they were not sure of the quality of that life. Thus death is often spoken of in negative terms. Only since Christ came and defeated death have we been able to see it in its true perspective. This has to be kept in mind when reading the phrase I have referred to. In today's section Solomon is concerned that his instruction to enjoy ourselves is not taken too far, and we get caught up in what is often described as "the rat race." "The race is not to the swift," he says, "or the battle to the strong ..." (v. 11). The philosophy that drives most people nowadays is: if you want to get on, run faster than anyone else. That philosophy is for empty-headed rats, not people. People who love God and want to honor Him will resist that pressure. You can build a good business and be competitive without spending your life in the fast lane. True success is walking with God. Keep in mind the fact that everything is in God's hands, Solomon once again reminds us. Things happen when you least expect them. Stock markets go down, somebody withholds a payment, and a business collapses. Nothing is certain in this world. God alone knows the end from the beginning - hence the need to put your entire trust in Him.

Father, I see through new eyes the truth that the strong are not always the strongest, the clever are not always the cleverest. I am challenged to discover a new place of trust in my life. My trust, blessed Father, is in You. All in You. Amen.