Strength Beyond Words

What Samson Taught Me About Writing (and Life)

Have you ever doubted your calling? Maybe you’re in the middle of something God has clearly led you to—writing, parenting, serving, creating—and yet you pause, look around, and think, “This isn’t working. Should I just quit and apply at Walmart instead?”

Yeah. Me too.

I remember reading a thread in a Christian e-writers group years ago where bestselling, award-winning authors admitted they still get hit with insecurities. These were women whose books lined shelves, who had won all the accolades… and still, they sometimes stared at the blinking cursor wondering if their words were worthless.

I could relate all too well.

For me, the struggle usually comes in the messy middle—when I’ve laid out the plot, introduced the characters, and tried to connect the dots. I have scenes written that I hope will matter. Dialogue that I hope rings true. A theme that I hope will thread its way through the chaos of chapters.

But there’s no box lid for this puzzle I’m assembling. I may have a fuzzy idea in my mind, but it’s ever-changing. And while I’ve now written over 80 books, and I’ve learned a system that works for me, there’s still one element that can’t be manufactured or mapped out in an outline:

The Holy Spirit.

When Human Strength Isn’t Enough

Just yesterday, I was walking with my husband John, overwhelmed by all I had to finish before my deadline. I rattled off my list of worries, the to-do’s stacking high in my mind like unfinished chapters.

John smiled and said, “You know, you remind me of Samson.”

I raised an eyebrow, a little skeptical. “Samson?”

“Yes,” he said. “Sure, Samson probably had muscles and could hold his own. Maybe he could take out a few enemies with sheer willpower. But to kill a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey? That was only possible because the Spirit of God was upon him.”

And suddenly, that truth hit home.

I can write a few decent chapters on my own. I can show up, study craft, and practice discipline. But if a story is going to actually touch hearts, change lives, or reveal God’s goodness—that’s going to take more than effort. That’s going to take God.

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” —Zechariah 4:6

That’s true in writing, yes—but it’s also true in all the little places we feel weak: raising our children, serving in ministry, building a business, or simply being a light in this dark world. Our human strength has limits. God’s Spirit does not.

5 Ways to Step into God’s Strength Today

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” —Proverbs 16:3

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:13

“Come to me, all you who are weary… and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” —Psalm 103:2

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” —2 Corinthians 12:9

So maybe I don’t need a cut-out of a muscle-bound Samson taped to my laptop (although that visual still makes me smile). What I do need is the constant reminder that it’s God’s strength, not mine, that carries the story forward—on the page and in my life.

If you’re feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, remember these two things:

1. You were never meant to do this on your own.
2. His Spirit is within you, and His strength is more than enough.

Let’s keep showing up, keep writing, keep loving, keep living—all with open hands and surrendered hearts.

Because God knows the whole story—and He sees the beautiful picture that’s forming, piece by piece.

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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle

June 2
Proverbs 20-21, Proverbs 22:1-16

Avoiding Strife

Proverbs 20: Avoiding Pitfalls

Proverbs 20 offers practical advice on living a life of integrity and avoiding common pitfalls:

Key Verses:

• Proverbs 20:9: “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin’?”
• Proverbs 20:21: “An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.”
• Proverbs 20:27: “The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.”
• Proverbs 20:29: “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”

Proverbs 20 encourages avoiding fighting, dishonesty, and overindulgence of alcohol. It reminds us that true character is revealed in tough times and that God’s light exposes our true motives.

Proverbs 21: Righteousness and Humility

Proverbs 21 emphasizes the importance of righteousness, humility, and wisdom. It warns against arrogance and unethical behavior while encouraging us to seek the Lord’s guidance.

Key Verses:

• Proverbs 21:3: “The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.”
• Proverbs 21:9 & 21:19: “It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home” and “It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.”

Avoiding sin requires careful attention and planning. Proverbs 21 underscores that obedience to God is more pleasing than sacrifice, a truth echoed in 1 Samuel 15:20-22.

Proverbs 22:1-16: The Value of a Good Name

Proverbs 22 begins with a powerful statement on the value of a good reputation:

Key Verses:

• Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

This section highlights the importance of wisdom, humility, and the fear of the Lord. It also offers practical advice on raising children and managing finances.

Word of the Day: Quarrelsome

Definition: Inclined to quarrel; argumentative; contentious.

The Quarrelsome Spirit

Proverbs 21:3 teaches that doing what is right and just is more pleasing to God than sacrifices. This echoes the quarrel between Saul and Samuel. Often, we know the right course of action but choose to quarrel and pursue our own way. This leads to unnecessary strife and poor outcomes.

The Source of Quarrels

James 4:1-4 explains that quarrels stem from our own desires and passions. When we prioritize our desires over God’s will, we create conflict. By focusing on God’s commands and seeking peace, we can avoid unnecessary arguments and foster better communication and understanding.

Reflection and Practical Steps

Reading Proverbs reminds us of the importance of wisdom and the dangers of a quarrelsome spirit. Here are practical steps to apply this wisdom:

Reflect on Motives: Regularly examine your motives and actions to ensure they align with God’s will.

Avoid Arguments: Recognize when arguments arise from personal desires and strive to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Seek Peace: Focus on building peace, understanding, and good communication in all areas of life.

Obey God: Prioritize obedience to God’s commands over personal desires, knowing this pleases Him more than sacrifices.

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June 3
Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23-24

The 30 Sayings of the Wise

Welcome to today’s blog post, where we dive into the rich wisdom of Proverbs 22:17-29, Proverbs 23, and Proverbs 24. These passages are collectively known as the “30 Sayings of the Wise,” a treasure trove of advice and knowledge penned by Solomon. Our focus today is on listening, learning, and leaning on God as we navigate life’s conflicts and challenges.

Listen, Learn, Lean

Solomon’s guidance can be summed up in three simple words: Listen, Learn, and Lean. Here’s how we can apply these principles:

• Listen: Open your heart to the wisdom in these sayings (Proverbs 22:17).
• Learn: Internalize these wise words so they can guide you in times of conflict (Proverbs 22:17-18).
• Lean: Trust in God rather than solely relying on your understanding or these sayings (Proverbs 22:19).

By following this triad, we gain knowledge, good advice, truth, and solutions for our challenges, steering us from conflict toward community (Proverbs 22:20-21).

Navigating Life’s Seven Seas

Solomon’s words offer guidance through seven critical areas of life: finances, friends, faith, failure, family, fools, and the future. Let’s explore each area with relevant sayings.

Finances

Wise stewardship of resources is crucial. Solomon highlights five pearls of wisdom to manage financial conflicts:

1. Poverty Police (Proverbs 22:22-23)
2. Borrow Barrier (Proverbs 22:26-27)
3. Sanctified Survey (Proverbs 22:28)
4. Riches to Rags (Proverbs 23:4-5)
5. Lawful Landmarks (Proverbs 23:10-11)

Friends

The company we keep influences our lives significantly. Solomon advises avoiding:

1. Anger Danger (Proverbs 22:24-25)
2. Slothful Man (Proverbs 23:19-21)
3. Bad Company (Proverbs 24:1-2)
4. Resist Rebels (Proverbs 24:21-22)

Faith

Wisdom in faith connects God’s character to our challenges:

1. Hard Work Helps (Proverbs 22:29)
2. Bribe Tribe (Proverbs 23:1-3)
3. Common Sense Counts (Proverbs 23:15-16)
4. Warn the Unwary (Proverbs 24:11-12)

Failure

Failure can be a stepping stone or a stumbling block. Solomon highlights pitfalls to avoid:

1. Chameleon Complex (Proverbs 23:6-8)
2. Wayward Women (Proverbs 23:26-28)
3. Drunken Dodo (Proverbs 23:29-35)
4. Pressure Pusher (Proverbs 24:10)

Family

A strong family reflects God’s love. Solomon offers pillars for a God-honoring home:

1. Receive Reproof (Proverbs 23:12)
2. Disciple Discipline (Proverbs 23:13-14)
3. Secret Agents (Proverbs 23:22-25)
4. House of Leadership (Proverbs 24:3-4)

Fools

Dealing with fools requires wisdom. Solomon provides guidance on this:

1. Wisdom Wasted (Proverbs 23:9)
2. Rebel Rascals (Proverbs 24:7)
3. Slippery Schemer (Proverbs 24:8-9)
4. Bounce Back (Proverbs 24:15-16)
5. Weep Over Others’ Woes (Proverbs 24:17-18)

Future

Hope for the future comes from God. Solomon shares ways to embrace this hope:

1. Envy Evil Error (Proverbs 23:17-18)
2. Wise Words Win Wars (Proverbs 24:5-6)
3. Sweet Success (Proverbs 24:13-14)
4. Wicked Worry (Proverbs 24:19-20)

Word of the Day: Keep

Definition: To retain possession of.

Solomon urges us to keep these sayings in our hearts, guiding our paths. The Bible often uses “keep” to describe a shepherd’s care for his sheep, reflecting a sense of treasure and protection.

Personal Takeaway

Reflect on what God keeps for us:

• Inheritance: 1 Peter 1:4
• Our Sorrows and Tears: Psalm 56:8
• His Promises and Covenant: Deuteronomy 6:4

Isaiah 26:3-4 reminds us:

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."

When we keep our minds on God and follow His ways, He provides perfect peace. This connects beautifully with Proverbs, where our trust in God leads to righteousness and a smooth path ahead (Isaiah 26:7-9).

Conclusion

As we reflect on these 30 Sayings of the Wise, let’s commit to listening, learning, and leaning on God. By doing so, we navigate life’s challenges with divine wisdom and experience the peace and guidance that comes from keeping our hearts aligned with His Word.

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June 4
Song of Songs 1-8

The Depths of Love

Today, we’re diving into the rich and poetic waters of Song of Songs 1-8, a collection of Hebrew love poems that many believe were written by Solomon. This beautiful book takes us through the journey of love, from courtship to marriage, with conversations between a shepherdess, her entourage, the shepherd, and King Solomon.

Understanding the Song of Songs

The Song of Songs is essentially a dialogue about romantic and intimate relationships. While marriage and sexual relationships are central themes, it’s important to remember that the Bible also honors celibacy. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, each person has their own calling, whether to marry or to remain single.

The Purpose of Love Poetry in the Bible

Why include such a poetic book in the Bible? Because God created love, marriage, and sex. As Christians, we should engage in healthy conversations about these topics, ensuring they are grounded in biblical truth rather than worldly distortions.

Three Types of Love in Song of Songs

In the Song of Songs, three Hebrew words describe different facets of love:

1. Raya (Friendship): This term refers to a companion or soulmate, highlighting that our special person should be our best friend (Song of Songs 4:7).
2. Ahavah (Deep Affection and Commitment): This word signifies a deep, committed love that goes beyond fleeting romantic feelings. It’s the kind of love that sustains a marriage and involves making a lifelong decision to be with another person (Song of Songs 8:7).
3. Dod (Passion): Dod represents the physical, sexual aspect of love, emphasizing passion and romantic feelings (Song of Songs 1:2).

The Sequence of Love

In our culture, people often start with Dod (passion), then move to Raya (friendship), and finally to Ahavah (commitment). In other cultures, such as those with arranged marriages, the sequence often starts with Ahavah (commitment), followed by Dod (passion), and hopefully leads to Raya (friendship).

Personal Takeaway

Initially, I often skimmed through this book of the Bible, but deeper study and discussion revealed its profound themes of love and commitment. It emphasizes that love is an ongoing journey, always deepening as time goes on. This is true in romantic relationships, with our children, and with God.

The garden imagery in Song of Songs reminds us of Eden and points forward to the ultimate union with Christ in Revelation, where love will be perfect and untainted.

Word of the Day: Love

Definition: A profoundly tender, passionate affection, often mingled with sexual desire, for another person; active, self-giving concern for the well-being of others.

Song of Songs directs us to the essence of love between a man and a woman, but it also points us to God’s perfect love. This book highlights that God knew what He was doing when He created sex, and it underscores the need to reclaim the true meaning of love from a world that has cheapened it.

As Song of Songs 8:7 says:

“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.”

Reflections on God’s Love

John 3:16 reminds us:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son."

And 1 John 4:7-12 beautifully captures the essence of God’s love for us:

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God... In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

The Layers of Love

God designed love with many layers—friendship, commitment, and passion. Each layer is interconnected and reflects the complexity of human emotions, a testament to divine design.

Conclusion

Love, in all its forms, is patient and kind. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Whether we look at love through the lens of friendship, commitment, or passion, these verses apply.

Let’s commit to exploring and embracing the depth of love that God designed for us, and allow it to guide our relationships and our faith journey.

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June 5
[READING OF THE DAY]

The Search for Meaning

Solomon’s Downfall: 1 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 9:29-31

In our readings today, we delve into the troubling yet instructive tale of Solomon’s fall from grace. Despite his renowned wisdom, wealth, and achievements, Solomon’s heart was led astray by his numerous wives and concubines. With seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, Solomon’s marital choices defied God’s commands, leading him to worship foreign gods and build altars for idols.

1 Kings 11:10 tells us:

"Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command."

This disobedience provoked God’s anger, and He declared that Solomon’s kingdom would be torn away, sparing only one tribe for the sake of David. God raised adversaries against Solomon, including Hadad the Edomite, Rezon the son of Eliada, and Jeroboam. Unlike David, who waited on God to establish his throne, Jeroboam seized power on his own, and his reign lacked divine blessing.

2 Chronicles 9:29-31 records Solomon’s rule, his death, and the ascension of Rehoboam. Solomon reigned for forty years and was laid to rest in David’s city.

Ecclesiastes: Deconstructing Wisdom and Meaning

Following Proverbs, we turn to Ecclesiastes—a book that challenges our understanding of wisdom and life’s meaning. Written in a reflective and often somber tone, Ecclesiastes confronts us with the harsh realities of a fallen world. The teacher, traditionally thought to be Solomon, uses the term “hevel” (often translated as “meaningless”) to describe life’s fleeting and enigmatic nature.

Word of the Day: Meaningful

Definition: Full of meaning, significance, purpose, or value; purposeful; significant.

Ecclesiastes opens with a stark declaration:

“Everything is meaningless, completely meaningless.”

Let’s flip this around and consider what “meaningful” looks like. A synonym for meaningful is significant. What does a significant life entail? Solomon, who had all the world’s riches and wisdom, offers profound insights.

God intends for our lives to be meaningful by His standards. Our present lives prepare us for eternity. Therefore:

• Memorize His word to know Him better.
• Read His word to understand His will.
• Steward your gifts for His glory.

Reflections and Applications

Ecclesiastes teaches that a meaningful life isn’t found in worldly pursuits but in contentment, gratitude, and purpose in the present moment. Solomon, who experienced everything, realized that life’s true meaning lies in knowing and serving God. This perspective aligns with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:33-34:

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

By the end of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded to:

“Remember your Creator” and recognize that God will judge every deed, underscoring the importance of living a life oriented toward eternity.

Personal Takeaway

Solomon’s story and the book of Ecclesiastes challenge us to reassess our values and priorities. True wisdom and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with God’s purposes, embracing our roles as stewards of His gifts, and seeking significance in His eternal plan.

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June 6
Ecclesiastes 1:12-18, Ecclesiastes 2-6

Vanity of Vanities

Today, our journey through the Bible takes us into the profound and thought-provoking book of Ecclesiastes. We dive into the reflections of the teacher, traditionally believed to be Solomon, as he examines the pursuit of wisdom, possessions, and the meaning of life.

Solomon’s Pursuit of Wisdom and Pleasure

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 introduces us to Solomon’s quest for wisdom. Solomon, famous for his unparalleled wisdom and wealth, embarks on a journey to find the true essence of life. He tests possessions and pleasures:

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.”

But does this bring happiness? Solomon’s conclusion is stark:

“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

The Certainty of Death and the Meaning of Life

Solomon reflects on the certainty and cruelty of death. In Ecclesiastes 3, he weighs time, eternity, and despair:

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die.”

However, amidst the talk of meaninglessness, we find a glimmer of hope:

“What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:9-11)

God’s Enduring Work

Ecclesiastes 3:14 offers further insights:

“I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.”

This shows us that:

• God’s actions are permanent.
• God’s actions are effective and complete.
• God’s actions are totally secure.

The Futility of Wealth and Success

In Ecclesiastes 4-6, we see that riches and success do not bring true happiness. The teacher states:

“Then I observed that most people are motivated by success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4)

We also see the value of companionship:

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

The teacher discusses the futility of political power, the importance of fearing God, and the fleeting nature of life:

“Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

Word of the Day: Vanity

Vanity is often described as excessive pride in one’s appearance or achievements. However, the Hebrew word “hevel” used in Ecclesiastes conveys the idea of something transient and insubstantial, like a breath or vapor.

Solomon reflects:

“Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11)

Personal Takeaway

Ecclesiastes challenges us to reassess our values and priorities. True wisdom and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with God’s purposes. The book concludes with a powerful reminder:

“Remember your Creator” and recognize that God will judge every deed, underscoring the importance of living a life oriented toward eternity.

Solomon’s reflections on vanity remind us that worldly pursuits are fleeting. What truly matters is our relationship with God and how we steward the gifts He has given us.

Conclusion

As we reflect on Ecclesiastes, let’s strive to find contentment and purpose in the present moment, trusting in God’s eternal plan. By seeking His wisdom and living righteously, we can navigate life’s challenges with a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

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June 7
Ecclesiastes 7, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

The Futility of Striving

Today’s Bible reading takes us through Ecclesiastes 7 and 11:1-6, offering profound insights into the pursuit of wisdom, the futility of striving, and the importance of finding contentment in the present moment.

Wisdom for Life: Ecclesiastes 7

Ecclesiastes 7 begins with a series of comparative sayings:

"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." Ecclesiastes 7:1

This poetic verse highlights that while a good reputation is invaluable, life’s journey is often arduous and challenging.

The Value of the Present: Ecclesiastes 7:10

"Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions." Ecclesiastes 7:10

Longing for the past can blind us to the opportunities and blessings of the present. As Owens Lee Pomeroy said, “Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson: you find the present tense and the past perfect.”

Reflections on Injustice: Ecclesiastes 8

The teacher in Ecclesiastes 8 grapples with life’s big questions, including the seeming injustice in the world:

"There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve." Ecclesiastes 8:14

This reminds us of historical injustices, like those seen during World War II, where the righteous suffered and the wicked were exalted.

Embrace Life: Ecclesiastes 9-11

Ecclesiastes 9 urges us to enjoy life while we can, recognizing its unpredictability:

"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do." Ecclesiastes 9:7

Ecclesiastes 11 continues with practical wisdom, encouraging us to diversify our efforts and embrace the uncertainties of life:

"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." Ecclesiastes 11:6

Word of the Day: Striving

Definition: Making great efforts to achieve or obtain something or to struggle vigorously.

The Cost of Striving

From birth, society teaches us to strive—to hit milestones, achieve success, and continually push forward. However, this relentless pursuit can come at a cost. Solomon warns that excessive striving is ultimately meaningless. True fulfillment comes not from pushing through at any cost but from finding balance and prioritizing what truly matters.

A Personal Battle with Striving

As an author and mother, I constantly battle the urge to strive. Balancing my career with caring for my family, I often remind myself of God’s call to prioritize people over work. Despite the demands of my career, I pause to make dinner, spend time with my children, and care for my elderly grandmother. This balance reminds me that if I focus on God’s work—caring for others—He will take care of my work.

Corrie ten Boom beautifully captured this sentiment:

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.”

Striving in the Right Way

If we must strive, let it be in alignment with God’s will:

• Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
• Hebrews 12:1: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
• Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Conclusion

Ecclesiastes teaches us to find joy and meaning in the present, to balance striving with contentment, and to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. As we reflect on these lessons, may we seek wisdom, embrace life’s uncertainties, and strive for what truly matters.

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June 8
Ecclesiastes 11:7-10, Ecclesiastes 12, 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10, 2 Chronicles 11:1-17

Trusting God’s Control

As we conclude our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes, the Teacher leaves us with profound wisdom. The beauty of life is in its balance—the joy of light and the inevitability of darkness. Solomon advises us to rejoice in our years but to remember that life also brings challenges and uncertainties.

"Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun."
- Ecclesiastes 11:7

Youthful Rejoicing and Eternal Perspective

"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth."
- Ecclesiastes 11:9

Solomon reflects on the days of his youth, perhaps with a hint of nostalgia and regret. He urges the young to enjoy their lives while keeping in mind the greater purpose and eternal perspective. It’s a reminder that life’s pleasures are meant to be enjoyed, but they are not the ultimate source of meaning.

The Teacher’s Wisdom on Proclaiming God’s Truth

The Teacher understood the importance of delivering God’s truth effectively:

• Teach people knowledge.
• Find acceptable words.
• Bring forth what is upright—words of truth.
• Make words as goads and well-driven nails, with point and direction.
• Speak the words given by one Shepherd.
• Acknowledge that good study is wearisome and be willing to pay that price.

The Whole Duty of Man

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."
- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Solomon, a man who experienced the highs and lows of life, ends with a powerful reminder: our ultimate duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. Everything we do will be brought into judgment, emphasizing the need for a life lived in reverence to God.

Lessons from Rehoboam: 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10-11

In our reading today, Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, becomes king. The people of Israel request lighter taxation and more lenient rule. Rehoboam seeks advice from the elders, who suggest he should listen to the people. Instead, he follows the counsel of his peers, asserting his authority even more forcefully.

"My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!"
- 1 Kings 12:14

Rehoboam’s harsh response leads to a rebellion, dividing the kingdom into Israel and Judah. Jeroboam becomes the king of the northern kingdom, establishing idol worship to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem.

God’s Intervention

Rehoboam plans to fight Jeroboam, but God sends a prophet instructing them to avoid war. They listen, preventing further conflict. This act of obedience contrasts sharply with Rehoboam’s earlier prideful decisions.

Word of the Day: Control

Definition: The power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events.

Trusting God’s Control

At the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon emphasizes that God is in control and that our duty is to fear Him and keep His commandments. This truth extends to Rehoboam’s story, where his struggle for control led to division and conflict.

When we try to control situations out of fear, it often leads to more problems. Instead, we should look to God, who is ultimately in control. As Susie Larson wisely said, “The enemy amplifies your fears. He makes a big deal out of your weaknesses. He exaggerates your troubles. And He lies about your worth.”

Turning Over Control to God

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.”
– Psalms 23:1-2

Turning over control to God means trusting Him as our Shepherd, believing that He provides for us, leads us to peace, and fights for us. When we relinquish our need to control, we find true peace and security in His guidance.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our study of Ecclesiastes and learn from the history of Israel, let’s remember that our ultimate duty is to trust God, follow His commandments, and live with the assurance that He is in control. This perspective allows us to enjoy life’s blessings without being overwhelmed by its challenges.

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