At some point, we all find joy in something, large or small. We know that the Lord gives us enjoyable things for our good! Long ago, the preacher wrote that “I perceived that there is nothing better for them [mankind] than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil — this is God’s gift to man.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, cf. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20) The joyful and happy times in our lives are valuable, and it is important to be thankful for them.
But, we are also told a somber truth: “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2) The truth can be a bitter friend, reminding us of things that are not always pleasant, but are always needful.
We can become deeply caught up in our careers, our academics, and our hobbies before we ever realize it. We can even lose perspective about things that make our lives easier and more convenient: phones, internet, electricity, even plumbing. Generation after generation, mankind has had the same basic needs and, generation after generation, mankind loses sight of that. Time after time, we think we are more advanced, more intelligent, and more wise than any who have come before us. Yet, time after time, whether it is on an individual scale or national scale, we eventually discover that, at heart, we always have the same problems and the same needs.
Paul wrote to Timothy about godliness with contentment: “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” (1 Timothy 6:7-8)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught about faith, our needs, and how the Father knows our needs: “You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ … your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:25-34)
Often, it is in our grief rather than our celebration when we take stock of our lives and consider what is truly important — what really matters. In the hustle and bustle of our busy days it can be a rare thing for us to take the time to contemplate the big picture of our lives. It is no easy thing and can often be quite uncomfortable for us to do.
There is a time for laughter, but there is also a time for crying (Ecclesiastes 3:4). We must never forget, even in our joy here, that it is a wise thing for us to consider what our needs will be on our last day in this world.
— Stefan Richardson