Finding Hope Amidst Life's Tragedies and Confusion
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into Ecclesiastes 8, focusing on verses 11-15. This book, often seen as one of the most perplexing in the Bible, challenges our understanding of life's meaning and the nature of good and evil. Ecclesiastes doesn't mention Satan or the chasm between us and God, which is a significant omission given our daily struggles with evil and our separation from God's limitless goodness.
The book's repetitive and circular reasoning can lead to confusion and even fatalism—the belief that everything is predetermined and unchangeable. This mindset is dangerous as it kills hope and faith. I shared a personal story from my time in the Middle East, where I witnessed the fatalistic attitude prevalent in Islamic culture, which can be paralyzing.
Ecclesiastes is a book of Hebrew wisdom, which differs significantly from Greek thought that shapes Western reasoning. Hebrew wisdom is practical and assumes the existence of God, sin, and spiritual warfare. It teaches that the basis of life is not rationality but tragedy. This world is bent, warped, and profaned, and human wisdom alone cannot make sense of it.
I shared several personal and global tragedies to illustrate the senselessness and confusion we often face. Yet, amidst this confusion, Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 offers reassurance: "Still I know that it will be well for those who fear God." The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and involves reverence, consecration, and protection of His voice in our lives.
We must place our hope only in God, not in people, wealth, or political systems. Storms in life, which we often perceive as judgment, may actually be God's mercy, shaking us free from false hopes. I shared my own dark season of doubt and fear, where I felt abandoned by God but ultimately found that the fruit from that season was the best part of me.
Jeremiah 17 warns us not to trust in mankind or our own flesh. Our emotions and thoughts can betray us, leading us away from God's truth. We must fear the Lord and trust in His character and goodness, even when we walk in darkness. Mother Teresa's journals revealed her own inner darkness, yet she trusted in God, saying, "Lord, in this great darkness, let me not kindle my own flame."
Ecclesiastes doesn't mention redemption or resurrection, but the Bible as a whole does. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 reiterates the hope we have in the resurrection. Our only hope is in God. Let's stand together, flee from sin, and place our trust solely in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of Fatalism: Fatalism, the belief that everything is predetermined and unchangeable, kills hope and faith. It leads to a paralyzing mindset where we feel powerless to change anything. This is dangerous because it robs us of the motivation to act and trust in God's plan. We must guard against this mindset and remember that our actions and faith do matter. [05:21]
2. Hebrew Wisdom vs. Greek Thought: Hebrew wisdom, as seen in Ecclesiastes, is practical and assumes the existence of God, sin, and spiritual warfare. It teaches that life is fundamentally tragic and cannot be fully understood through human reason alone. This contrasts with Greek thought, which seeks to explain everything through logic and rationality. Understanding this difference helps us better grasp the teachings of Ecclesiastes. [07:34]
3. The Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It involves reverence, consecration, and protection of God's voice in our lives. This means actively seeking His guidance, obeying His commands, and honoring His presence in our hearts. It is a daily commitment to place our hope and trust solely in Him, even amidst life's uncertainties. [19:22]
4. Trusting God in the Storms: Life's storms, which we often perceive as judgment, may actually be God's mercy, shaking us free from false hopes and misplaced trust. These trials are opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and to let go of our stubborn pride. In these seasons, we must choose to trust in God's goodness and character, even when we don't understand His ways. [22:55]
5. Walking in Darkness with Faith: We all walk in darkness at times, facing confusion, suffering, and doubt. In these moments, we must trust in the Lord and not kindle our own flames of false hope. Our emotions and thoughts can betray us, but God's truth remains steadfast. By fearing the Lord and relying on His guidance, we can navigate through the darkness with faith and hope. [37:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:20] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 8
[02:25] - Reading Ecclesiastes 8:11-15
[03:39] - General Thoughts on Ecclesiastes
[04:38] - The Chasm Between Us and God
[05:21] - The Danger of Fatalism
[06:11] - Personal Story from the Middle East
[07:34] - Hebrew Wisdom vs. Greek Thought
[10:17] - The Basis of Life is Tragedy
[11:51] - Personal and Global Tragedies
[19:22] - The Fear of the Lord
[21:10] - Placing Hope Only in God
[22:55] - Trusting God in the Storms
[24:24] - Personal Dark Season of Doubt
[27:09] - Jeremiah 17: Trusting in the Lord
[29:11] - The Treachery of Emotions
[30:00] - The Biblical Fool
[32:36] - Turning to False Hopes
[34:48] - The Enchantment of False Hopes
[37:34] - Mother Teresa's Inner Darkness
[40:04] - The Hope of Resurrection
[41:32] - Paul's Reiteration in 1 Corinthians 15
[43:18] - Invitation to Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 8:11-15: "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are giving fully to do evil. Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear him openly. But it will not be well for the evil man, and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God. There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. And on the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for man under the sun except to eat, and to drink, and to be merry."
2. Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
3. Jeremiah 17:5-7: "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ecclesiastes 8:11-15 say about the fate of those who fear God versus those who do evil?
2. According to Proverbs 9:10, what is the beginning of wisdom?
3. In Jeremiah 17:5-7, what are the consequences of trusting in man versus trusting in the Lord?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between Hebrew wisdom and Greek thought? [07:34]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "fear God" according to the sermon and the passages? How does this fear lead to wisdom? [19:22]
2. How can the concept of fatalism, as described in the sermon, affect a person's faith and actions? [05:21]
3. Why might life's storms be seen as God's mercy rather than judgment, according to the sermon? [22:55]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should respond when we feel abandoned by God, as illustrated by the story of Mother Teresa? [37:34]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt powerless to change a situation. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of the sermon’s message about fatalism? [05:21]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and seeking His guidance daily. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? [19:22]
3. Think about a recent "storm" or trial in your life. How can you reframe this experience as an opportunity to deepen your reliance on God rather than seeing it as a punishment? [22:55]
4. The sermon warns against placing trust in people, wealth, or political systems. Identify one area where you might be placing your trust outside of God. What steps can you take to shift your trust back to Him? [21:10]
5. How can you protect and honor God's voice in your life, especially during times of darkness and doubt? Share a specific practice or habit that helps you stay connected to God’s guidance. [19:22]
6. Reflect on the story of Mother Teresa's inner darkness. How can her prayer, "Lord, in this great darkness, let me not kindle my own flame," guide you in your own times of spiritual desolation? [37:34]
7. Jeremiah 17 warns against trusting in mankind. How can you apply this warning to your current relationships and decisions? What changes might you need to make to ensure your trust is placed solely in God? [27:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Perils of Fatalism
Fatalism, the belief that everything is predetermined and unchangeable, can be a dangerous mindset. It robs us of hope and faith, making us feel powerless to change our circumstances. This mindset can lead to a paralyzing sense of helplessness, where we no longer see the value in our actions or the importance of trusting in God's plan. Instead of succumbing to fatalism, we must remember that our actions and faith do matter. God calls us to be active participants in His plan, trusting that He is in control but also that He has given us the ability to make meaningful choices.
In a world filled with uncertainty and suffering, it can be easy to fall into the trap of fatalism. However, the Bible teaches us that while God is sovereign, He also invites us to partner with Him in bringing about His purposes. Our faith and actions are significant, and we must guard against the mindset that everything is predetermined and unchangeable. By placing our trust in God and actively seeking His guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with hope and faith. [05:21]
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 (ESV): "Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you have felt powerless. How can you actively trust God and take steps of faith in that situation today?
Day 2: The Practicality of Hebrew Wisdom
Hebrew wisdom, as seen in Ecclesiastes, is practical and assumes the existence of God, sin, and spiritual warfare. It teaches that life is fundamentally tragic and cannot be fully understood through human reason alone. This contrasts with Greek thought, which seeks to explain everything through logic and rationality. Understanding this difference helps us better grasp the teachings of Ecclesiastes and the nature of wisdom in the Bible. Hebrew wisdom acknowledges the brokenness of the world and the limitations of human understanding, pointing us to the necessity of relying on God.
In a culture heavily influenced by Greek thought, we often seek to explain and rationalize everything. However, Hebrew wisdom reminds us that not everything can be understood through human reason. Life is filled with tragedy and mystery, and our limited perspective cannot always make sense of it. By embracing the practical wisdom of the Bible, we learn to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we cannot fully understand His ways. This perspective helps us navigate the complexities of life with humility and faith. [07:34]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying solely on your own understanding? How can you begin to trust in God's wisdom and guidance instead?
Day 3: The Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It involves reverence, consecration, and protection of God's voice in our lives. This means actively seeking His guidance, obeying His commands, and honoring His presence in our hearts. It is a daily commitment to place our hope and trust solely in Him, even amidst life's uncertainties. The fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God, but about having a deep respect and awe for His holiness and authority. It is recognizing our dependence on Him and prioritizing His will above our own.
In a world that often promotes self-reliance and independence, the fear of the Lord calls us to a different way of living. It invites us to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging that He is the source of all wisdom and understanding. By cultivating a reverent fear of the Lord, we open ourselves to His guidance and protection. This posture of humility and dependence allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us and for us. [19:22]
Psalm 111:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to seek His guidance and honor His presence?
Day 4: Trusting God in the Storms
Life's storms, which we often perceive as judgment, may actually be God's mercy, shaking us free from false hopes and misplaced trust. These trials are opportunities to deepen our reliance on God and to let go of our stubborn pride. In these seasons, we must choose to trust in God's goodness and character, even when we don't understand His ways. Storms can be disorienting and painful, but they also have the potential to refine our faith and draw us closer to God. By trusting in Him, we can find peace and strength amidst the chaos.
When we face difficulties, it is natural to question God's intentions and feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. However, the Bible teaches us that God uses trials to shape and mold us into His likeness. These storms are not meant to destroy us but to purify our faith and deepen our dependence on Him. By trusting in God's character and goodness, we can navigate through the storms with hope and resilience. We must remember that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His plans for us are ultimately for our good. [22:55]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or storm in your life. How can you see God's mercy and goodness in that situation? What steps can you take to trust Him more deeply?
Day 5: Walking in Darkness with Faith
We all walk in darkness at times, facing confusion, suffering, and doubt. In these moments, we must trust in the Lord and not kindle our own flames of false hope. Our emotions and thoughts can betray us, but God's truth remains steadfast. By fearing the Lord and relying on His guidance, we can navigate through the darkness with faith and hope. It is in these dark seasons that our faith is tested and refined, and we learn to depend on God in deeper ways. Trusting in Him means surrendering our need for control and allowing His light to guide us.
Walking in darkness can be a lonely and disorienting experience. However, the Bible assures us that God is with us even in the darkest valleys. He is our shepherd, guiding and protecting us through every trial. By holding onto His promises and seeking His presence, we can find hope and strength to persevere. It is in these moments of darkness that our faith is strengthened, and we learn to trust in God's unfailing love. We must remember that God's light shines brightest in the darkness, and His truth will always prevail. [37:34]
Isaiah 50:10 (ESV): "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."
Reflection: When you face moments of darkness and doubt, how can you remind yourself of God's truth and promises? What practical steps can you take to rely on His guidance and not your own understanding?
Quotes
1. "We live in a world that's under siege by evil. We are walled in by the wickedness of Satan, and our own wickedness. And we're cut off from our Heavenly Father. There's a chasm there, right? There's a chasm between us and God. Right? We've been cut off from perceiving the total, complete, and inexhaustible, limitless goodness of God. We can't perceive it. We can't understand it. We can't grasp it, how good He is. And we're powerless to cross this chasm between us and them." [03:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Confusion, if we're not careful, produces fatalism. And fatalism is this idea that everything is predetermined, and we are powerless to change the outcome of anything. But the problem with falling into fatalism is that it kills the hope in us. It kills the faith in us. And that is no place to live." [05:21] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible assumes some things. Isn't it interesting that it never tries to prove God existence? It assumes God existence. In that sense, it's very practical. It also assumes sin. It assumes Satan. It assumes the reality of the spiritual world that we're living in, that there's actually spiritual warfare going around us." [08:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The basis of life is not rational or logical. It is tragic. How many things do I need to list off to make this point? Do I need to trot out? All the lives that have been lost in senseless wars, where's the sense in that? What about wars that are fought for almost nothing? We always like to cite World War II as being a war of right against wrong, but what about World War I, where it was just hundreds of millions of people suffering and dying in that war for almost nothing? What about starvation? There are people starving right now when you and I throw food in the trash. What about abuse? You know, monsters are real. We walk in darkness in this life, whether it's the darkness of real evil, or the darkness of mystery that we can't understand or explain, or the darkness of confusion. We all walk in darkness, and that's what the Bible teaches. Otherwise, Jesus is pointless." [11:51] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The fear of the Lord is reverence and consecration and protection over his voice in your life. Say that again. The fear of the Lord is reverence, consecration, and protection for his voice in your life. There is so much of life that is out of our control, but how we respond to God, how we listen to his voice, and how we obey his voice and honor his name, that is in our control. It is on you, it is on me to protect, to make holy the space that he speaks to us in our hearts, and he speaks to us in our life. It is on you to protect and honor the access that the Lord has to your heart. It is on you to obey him when he speaks." [20:10] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When storms come, there's a real temptation to turn our heart away from the Lord. We turn to false hope. We choose twilight. We would rather walk in sort of this hazy light than in the scary blazing light of the total goodness of the Lord. You know, he's described in Hebrews as being a consuming fire. We can't even look at the sun. How do we expect that we can look at the Lord and all his goodness? Could it be that when this consuming fire of God's holy love comes into contact, with our imperfection, that it might produce suffering just because we're imperfect and he is not? You know, our salvation is free and limitless, but our being made whole, our being made holy usually costs us something." [33:41] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "False hopes do one thing. They enchant. They enchant. They disguise the absolute bedrock reality that you and I are lost and damned apart from the intervention of God. When I was in that dark season I referenced earlier, I wanted to know if there were other believers who had experienced the season where God seemed to withdraw the sense of his presence. Now, I'm not saying he was not present with me. I'm saying I couldn't tell it. I couldn't touch him. I couldn't sense him. He was with me. There are people who walk that journey. A lot of you have walked that journey. If you've ever really grieved and gone through that process, sometimes you might go from the heartache to anger to the why. It's the same territory." [35:42] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Fear the Lord still in spite of everything we encounter on this earth, still I know that it will go well with you. I will go along with those who fear the Lord. Now, I said at the beginning that in Ecclesiastes that we could, we don't see a mention of the devil but you know what else it doesn't mention? The redemption. It doesn't mention the resurrection. The Bible is not a flat book. Ecclesiastes does not get to stand alone. It stands with the other books of scripture. It's not the total revelation. of God to his people. It's part of it." [40:04] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Some of you need to flee from sin in your life. You need to flee from your enemy, who's got plans for you. You need to flee to God. Some of you need to repent of placing your trust in any other thing than God. Some of you need to consecrate that place in your heart where God speaks to you and to remove every other voice. Some of you need to grow in your fear of the Lord." [43:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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