A good quarterback has short-term memory. After throwing an interception, they need to forget that they did it and move on. If they can’t get it out of their mind, they’ll be too cautious or even hesitate. Since throwing a football is so much about timing, even the slightest hesitation can cause more mistakes.
We naturally have short-term memory in faith. That may be good for when we fall short, confess, and need to receive forgiveness avoiding a life of condemnation. But at times, our short-term memory hurts us; when we forget about God’s faithfulness and his goodness.
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them" – Ecclesiastes 12:1I read a book a few years ago called, “Dangerous Wonder”. It was about the time as a kid that our imagination ran wild. A time when we daydreamed more than we worried. A day when we really thought superman could fly.
Then we grew up. And learned that he couldn’t.
I think Solomon is calling us to remember the early days of our faith, a day when we did not doubt our Creator like sifting sand. A day when all we felt was hope in what could be, instead of doubt that it might not. A day when superman could still fly, and we just happened to know superman.
As we wrap up Ecclesiastes, I’m thinking about this pleasure and joy that Solomon speaks of, the fact that most (if not all) of us are chasing after it, yet many have not found it. I’m also thinking about the “knowledge” he refers to throughout the book. And that we typically have much less of it than we think as well.
What captures my mind is this relationship between knowledge and joy. It seems that knowledge almost tortures joy. It seems they have a love/hate relationship and simply coexist in a world separate one from another. Some of the smartest people I know are also the most tortured people I know. In the same way, some of the most joyful people I know... well.. aren't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed. I’ve heard it said, and at times agreed, that “ignorance is bliss”. Yet I think we’d all agree that it’s a different kind of bliss… the kind that most grownups would not be content with.
So where does wisdom come into the picture? It may indeed be the missing link between knowledge and joy. I think Charles Spurgeon said it right:
“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” CSFather, teach us to apply what we know. Don’t allow us to find contentment in just knowing. In the same way, don’t let us find contentment in bliss alone. It seems you’re already busy at doing both. So I guess I’m asking for this continued journey that each of us are on. Help us to see the intentional refining, the shaping, and the “becoming” in our adventure as Christ followers. Help us to find true joy and pleasure knowing that we’re on this path as a part of You making us who we need to be. Amen.
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Solomon was definitely a tortured soul. At the end of his life, and his life's work of seeking understanding to couple the wisdom, there is frustration in the futility of man's endeavors. At the conclusion, there is a cathartic release of control to God's ultimate authority.
ReplyDeleteI was exhausted and discouraged while reading Ecclesiastes the first time. It seems, on the surface, like a wonderful sounding board for atheists. But upon further readings, I am thankful for this book. The bible offers perspective for every stage in our life. When frustrations are abounding, reading Ecclesiastes is like talking to a friend who's been through it already, and then, has sound advice to put it all into perspective.
Praise the LORD that He knows our worries, knows our sorrows, and knows our joys. And Ecclesiastes proves that He knows our frustrations, too. And He has not left us alone to deal with them.
Susana, good thoughts. It's certainly comforting to know we're not alone. I often find comfort in seeing the same thoughts, concerns, worries, and frustrations as those who were inspired to write scripture. Not the "it's okay to sin" kind of comfort, but the kind you're talking about. The kind that reminds us of our humanity, and that we're not the first who's ever struggled with whatever our struggle is. I think it's a key element to receiving a grace that does not lead to condemnation.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. It's God's mercy that allows remembrance of his people's mistakes. Not that it's okay, but that if He can forgive them, He will also forgive you. That if even a king feels frustrated, it's okay to be that way, if for nothing else than just to vent and surrender.
ReplyDeleteImagine if we felt like we were the first to think some way or to do some horrible act. Would we still want to return to Him? But, alas, "There IS nothing new under the sun." And His forgiveness is everlasting.
I love to watch my kids. Being a father of 4 I get plenty of chances. I can see that worry free life in their eyes. Jaycee, our oldest, is growing up. It was a big year in our house for her. We turned 10. We are going to go to the new school next year. In Winfield we have an Intermediate 5th and 6th grade school. Big changes. I can also she her loosing some of her worry free life. People are starting to form clicks. She is worried about having friends. Part of me wishes I could keep her 9 and in fourth grade forever. The other part of me says, "Suck it up and show her how God wants her to live her life." It is such a struggle to keep that joy and not let "life" make you hard. I guess that might be one of the reasons God gives us children.
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