Ecclesiastes 9: 1-12

Live fully today because you can

_{So, I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:9}

 Today’s passage is a powerful reminder that life is both unpredictable and precious. It shows us that whether you are righteous or wicked, there is no way to avoid the realities of life and death. But instead of leading us to despair, Solomon encourages us to embrace life with joy, intention, and gratitude. It’s not about chasing perfection or waiting for the “right time.” It’s about showing up fully to the life you have been given, today.

I remember a time when I was constantly waiting for the “next season” to enjoy life. I thought, When I get that promotion… when the kids are older… when I finally figure everything out… Then I’ll be able to relax and truly enjoy life. But one day, after a sudden loss in our family, I realized that time isn’t something we can control or guarantee. That moment changed me. I started learning how to live each day with purpose by appreciating the small things, showing up for people I love, and stepping into the calling God has placed on my life right now, not later.

Here are some practical ways you can start living Ecclesiastes 9 today:

1. Celebrate the ordinary. Don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy life. Light the candles, wear the nice outfit, cook the favorite meal and remember, today is a gift. (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
2. Pursue your purpose with passion. Verse 10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Whatever season you’re in, do it well. Whether you’re raising kids, building a business, serving in ministry, or working a job that feels small.
3. Let go of what you can’t control. Life doesn’t always go to the fastest, strongest, or smartest (v.11). Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is to stop striving and start trusting. Rest in God’s loving care and live in His peace.

This text isn’t just about the brevity of life, but it is also about the beauty of it. It reminds us that though we don’t know what tomorrow holds, He does, and we are alive today, and that alone is a reason to rejoice and make it count for eternity.

So today I want to encourage you not to wait for perfect conditions. Don’t hold off joy until everything is figured out. You are here. You are breathing. You are able. And that means there’s purpose for you in this very moment. Live it well. Love deeply. Work passionately. Rejoice daily. Because at the end of it all, the goal isn’t to have it all figured out, it’s to have lived fully, faithfully, and with joy, because what you do today can count for all eternity.

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Today’s scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

1 For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them.

2 All things come alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; To the good, the clean, and the unclean; To him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; He who takes an oath as he who fears an oath.

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.

6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun.

7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works.

8 Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil.

9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

11 I returned and saw under the sun that—the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.

12 For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them.