READ: Ecclesiastes 9
BACKGROUND: In this passage, Solomon gets depressed that no matter what happens in life, every single person on the planet faces the same fate: death. And despite the rather morbid outlook of the surrounding context – and Solomon’s incorrect insinuation that death is the end of everything – he does make a really great point in the middle about making the most of every single opportunity to live life to the fullest in an effort to glorify God!
THINK: Verses 7-10 picture what it looks like to do everything to the glory of God: “Let every detail in your lives – words, actions, whatever – be don’t in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” – Colossians 3:7
1. In what ways does God “seize” or “enjoy” or “drink?
2. What pleasures do you enjoy that you think God might enjoy with you?
3. As you think about your life, what are some things that you need to seize and enjoy?
PRAY: Respond to God regarding this idea of seizing and enjoying. Tell God if you’re surprised to think about him in this way. Talk to God about how you can do what this text says – how you can live your life to the fullest in order to bring glory to him. Ask him what things you need to give up because they aren’t bringing glory to him – and be willing to listen to him about what these things are.
LIVE: I love this quote from Pastor John Piper: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”
Adapted from Eugene Peterson in Solo
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