Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. Ecclesiastes 9:12
The unpredictability of life can cause anxiety and fear. Yet no one can escape it. We do not know what the future holds or what danger lurks ahead. Our existential reality can change in the blink of an eye. The best we can do is to trust God to help us navigate through the vicissitudes of life.
Without God, we are like ships without rudders in the stormy seas of life. We get tossed to and from hopelessly trying to find meaning in a world of pain and suffering. We wake up every day not knowing what disaster lurks ahead or what demon we are going to confront.
In the blink of an eye, a millionaire can become a pauper, a celebrity can become a pariah, our health can fail, a loved one can die, a business can collapse, and our lives can turn upside down for the worst. This begs the question of why so many people risk living life without a relationship with God. Indeed, why do so many people think they are masters of their own destinies when they do not know whether a pleasant or harsh future awaits?
In today’s text, the wisdom writer reminds us of the unpredictability of life and the fact that we are trapped by evil times. The good news is that God can transform people, time, and situations. He knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Because things can change in the blink of an eye, we should live life to the fullest. We should intentionally cultivate a life of joy centered around a relationship of loving union with God. When possible, avoid foolish arguments and resist petty disagreement. Do not put off the opportunities of living to the fullest today for the promise of tomorrow.
In the blink of an eye, a loved one can be taken from you. So, be gratuitous with your kindness and generous with your words of affirmation to them. Never miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Be quick to forgive and slow to get angry. Do not allow bitterness and resentment to hold you, hostage, because of past hurts. Remember, today is the best day of the rest of your life.
Life is neither good nor bad. It is the way we live it that makes it good or bad. The best way to live life is with faith in God at its center. It is our faith that will help us to manage the unpredictability of life. Faith gives us the courage to live each day with hope and joy no matter our circumstances.
In the blink of an eye, death can come to usher us into the presence of God. Therefore, we must be assured of our eternal destiny by accepting the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We must be faithful in our service to God by doing the great commission work of Jesus Christ so we can build treasures in heaven in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ.
Life is filled with swift transitions. God is the only constant in life. The best way to protect our present and future against the unpredictability of life is by surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ.
Questions for Personal Reflection
How should you protect yourself against the unpredictability of life?
What guarantees do believers have in Jesus Christ?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for the blessed assurance I have through Christ Jesus that my life is in your hands. Your word assures me that nothing can separate me from your love. Therefore, I know nothing can happen to me without your permissive will. So, help me to trust you when I face hardships knowing that you will never forsake me.
Comments