God’s word neither ignores nor minimizes the painful realities of life’s endurances. Inevitably, we and our loved ones will experience loss. Illness, aging and death are losses that we cannot escape in this life. Divorce, disability, loss of independence, unemployment and financial reversals are tough situations humanity faces each day. The book of Ecclesiastes attests to this fact of life.
Many scholars believe that the book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, the son of David, King in Jerusalem. It is believed that Solomon wrote the book in his old age, reflecting on the vanity of life after his many experiences. A defining accomplishment of King Solomon was the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. But to accomplish this great achievement, King Solomon had many setbacks.
So it is with life: we will experience losses and setbacks as we journey through this world. Today’s culture prepares us for success, but not so much for loss and setbacks. Painful losses throw us into unchartered territory. It is important to understand the dynamics of our grief to help us move through it and back toward living again.
Life’s challenges often begin with bereavement. The agony of feeling that something or someone indispensable to us has been ripped away leaves us feeling robbed. However, King Solomon’s words in the book of Ecclesiastes give us some comfort: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Tthere is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” After a loss, our heartache gives those around us the opportunity to respond, offering the comfort and reassurance we need to begin healing.
Life’s perils consist of the various dangers, risks, and hazards that can cause loss, damage, or harm. They are the inevitable challenges that threaten stability and safety, ranging from physical threats to economic, social, and emotional hardships. However, we can all gain wisdom from our losses. The perils of life can transform pain, trauma, or difficult experiences into personal growth, strength, and beauty. These moments can cause us to recognize that life is a collection of moments, like pearls on a string, and we must choose to cherish them. They can lead us to embrace an eternal perspective to find meaning in current challenges.
So, cherish the moments—even when you experience life’s perils—because they can bring the most insightful, valuable and transformative aspects of our lives. Be blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
