Have you ever wondered about luck or time and chance? Solomon did, and he wrote about it. Solomon’s observation can frustrate those who try to control everything.
I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. (Ecclesiastes 9:11–12, NLT)
These two verses are humbling! We cannot control everything. We cannot predict everything. And as hard as we may try, the best horse still stumbles in the race. Surprises and sudden tragedy cannot be eliminated from life. Have you ever heard the phrase, “Who saw that coming?” As wise as Solomon was, he couldn’t cheat this phenomenon.
Now, the fatalist might wonder why plan, why wisdom, why education, why work so hard at life if planning, dedication, and intensity can be so easily disrupted with nothing but bewilderment to answer for it. And if prediction and perfection are your goals—then yes—why?
Ultimately, we will find that life isn’t fair, that not everything can be explained, and that not everything can be controlled! Does that mean we give up? No! But humility helps to ease this pain a lot. There is no need to frustrate yourself to the grave trying to control every little detail or do it all perfectly. Relax a little! It’s easier to roll with the punches that way!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Ecclesiastes 7-12.