The mind of the unregenerate man continues to say, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." Today's reading unveils the desperation and frustration which permeates the heart and spirit of this "man under the sun." It is no wonder that an unsaved man becomes an alcoholic, a drug addict, or commits suicide. The unsaved man is described in the New Testament as being "without God and without hope in this world." To add insult to injury, the unsaved man lives a life of hell on earth and then dies and spends eternity in a literal hell under the earth.
God is not the author of discouragement. He is the God of all encouragement. When you become despondent, it is because you have lost fellowship with Christ and are no longer tapping the limitless resources of God. Discouragement is the opposite of faith. Faith believes that God can do all He says. Discouragement accepts the circumstances and environment, in spite of what God says. There are times when everything looks dark to us. Adversity comes and our hearts become heavy. But remember, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.".
In chapter 11 Solomon plants some good advice among all his words of discouragement. "Cast thy bread upon the waters" is a principle of the Christian life. Giving our all to God is essential to Christian growth. Absolute surrender and abandonment to the will of God always brings the blessings of heaven.
After 11 chapters of frustration, Solomon finally arrives at the ultimate for successful living. Having explored everything this world has to offer, he ultimately discovers that the life of man is designed for the pleasure of God. He therefore suggests to all young people the importance of remembering God in the days of their youth. Solomon describes the Christian life from youth to old age in chapter 12. He eventually determines that our highest calling is to reverence God and obey His Word.
