Perspective and Circumstances

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV)

Isn’t it interesting that at the same time some people enjoy prosperity others struggle along in adversity. What makes it interesting is this: their circumstances will reverse. Those who now suffer adversity will enjoy prosperity and those who now enjoy prosperity will suffer adversity.

If we wrap our minds around that fact, we can understand why the writer said, “be joyful in prosperity.” The Preacher knew that circumstances change and situations reverse. We must live and work today for tomorrow will be a new day. Jesus viewed this providential fact from a different perspective. His knew that God would take care of those who seek his kingdom. He said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34).

Like day and night, as well as summer and winter, prosperity and adversity are set to offset one another. Why? The Preacher writes, “So that humans cannot know their future” (SyS paraphrase). It is God’s will that we depend upon him and not ourselves or the economics of this world.

Dependence on God keeps us ready for anything and everything . . . no matter what happens. It isn’t what is happening at any given time. Rather, it is how we respond to the circumstances in which we find ourselves today. Will we only worship God in the good times? Is our faith in God only for the good times? Does our relationship with him deteriorate in adverse conditions and circumstances?

Times of affliction, sorrow and troubles are opportunities for consideration. Obviously the Apostle to the Gentiles had considered this because he wrote, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13 KJV).

Dear Father, thank you for both prosperity and adversity. Strengthen our faith and empower us to be content in both. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in your circumstances,