Beyond the Weekend: Making Sense out of Life
Making Sense Out of Life highlights sections of a book often considered confusing and generally unexplored—Ecclesiastes. There is a latent discomfort we all feel as life can be overwhelmingly disappointing. Ecclesiastes recognizes this meaningless to live and addresses it head-on. This series helps us find meaning in the monotony of life and gives us perspective on what God desires to do both in us and through us.
Ecclesiastes
Week 1 Verses: Ecclesiastes 1:1-10
Week 2 Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Week 3 Verses: Ecclesiastes 2:17-24
Week 4 Verses: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Week 5 Verses: Ecclesiastes 7:1-10
Week 6 Verses: Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14
Life Alone
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
There was a man alone; He had neither son nor brother. Ecclesiastes 4:8a
Read: Ecclesiastes 4:8
Listen: Ecclesiastes 4
TODAY'S MESSAGE
The man is alone. He has no family and doesn’t even take time to enjoy his stuff. He works and works to get more and more. He appears wildly successful and very driven. Some might look at him and be a bit envious. But, in reality, he is “bankrupt” relationally.
Is this you? Do you look around and see you eschewed relationships to pursue something else?
Our culture tells us having a successful career is more important than good friends. It tells us life is about experiences and you are fulfilled when enough people like your photo (carefully staged) on Instagram. But our culture has lied to us. It causes us to be relationally poor because we are preoccupied with work, adventure or entertainment.
We discover life in relationship. God created us for relationship with him and other people. Food doesn’t taste as good alone. A fast car isn’t as exciting alone. Backpacking Machu Picchu isn’t as rewarding alone. Likewise, growing as a Christian doesn’t happen alone either. Life is better when we share it with others.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
At the top of your journal, write the word “Preoccupied.” Under it, begin to list some of the things in your life that keep you from developing meaningful relationships—things like your work, TV, smartphone, working out or chasing experiences. Write down a few ways you can readjust your priorities to help create a better connection with people. Then find someone you can encourage today. Write a note, say an encouraging word or text to help build that connection.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
