"You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless."

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Verse 14 tells us, ‘No one knows what is coming.’ We are all ignorant of what is going to happen in our lives and in the wider world around us. We can make plans for our future, but none of us really know what is going to happen. The Teacher’s response to this difficult truth is twofold. First, he states five proverbs that commend good, prudent, and wise living (15-20). Second, he appears to advocate that the best response to uncertainty is to diversify your investments (11:1–6). His reflections are a humble reminder of our own ignorance and inability in comparison to the comprehension of God.

In acknowledging our limitations, we can seek the wisdom of the One who does understand these things. That is why wisdom in the Bible is always related to God. It is through that relationship that we are given the heart and perspective of our loving Father to influence our decisions for good. The state of the world is exceptionally uncertain at the moment. Through our faith we can receive not just hope amid that uncertainty but also wisdom on how to act within it.

CLOSING PRAYER

Faithful God, thank you for the Light of the World. Help me to live with joy in him and to share the hope that is mine with others.

(Edited from Encounter with God)