June 7, 2025 -Unexpected Clarity

ECCLESIASTES 7:1-11:6

Chronological Bible Readings

Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning,

    and patience is better than pride.

9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,

    for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Today's reading has unexpectantly brought me unexpected clarity to a situation I have been praying about. I am currently involved in a group that has people with many different personalities. We are tasked with making decisions and being in charge of things that will affect a larger group. God gave me the strength of activator/achiever according to Gallup's Strength Finders Assessment. Which means when something needs to be done, I am quick to respond to the need and work to see it to completion. I have not been able to be part of this group for a few years even though it was on my heart to join them. Therefore, I believe that God has brought me and others with the same strength to this group at this time for the purpose to accomplish things. I see how the others in the group have strengths that He has been using and continues to use to bring us to the place we are right now. I believe He is also going to continue to use them as He moves us forward. They have been patient. But it is time to move some things to completion. However, I am seeking guidance because I don't want my pride to motivate what I am doing. If so, I am sure it will provoke me to anger. I am praying that my interactions are coming from a heart of patience and obedience to God.

Ecclesiastes 7:18 It is good to grasp the one

    and not let go of the other.

    Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.

I know that some of our personalities are at extremes, and I pray that He will walk us through how to grasp toward the future without letting go of the foundations of our past. I pray that we would fear God and seek to be obedient to Him and not allow our extreme differences to hinder His good work.

Ecclesiastes 7:21 Do not pay attention to every word people say,

    or you may hear your servant cursing you—

22 for you know in your heart

    that many times you yourself have cursed others.

I see that in doing that it may mean that there are times when words that we say and hear can be influenced by our own feeling and desires. When that happens, we may say things that are sinful and negative toward a person. Or it can be when we hear another's words, we take it according to our own feeling and desires and will misunderstand the other persons intent. I guess that we should strive not to take every word to heart and have grace for each other because we are all sinners and prone to feel hurt and to hurt others.

Ecclesiastes 8:5 Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm,

    and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.

And in the end if we are looking to Him and His word then He will bring all things through to completion in its proper time and in the proper way.

Thank you Lord, for your word and how you can use completely unexpected scripture to speak to my hear for every situation.