Daily Devotional for Monday, November 17

The Works of God

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth,” Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2.

In Ecclesiastes 11:1-8, the preacher, traditionally understood as King Solomon, offered profound wisdom on the nature of God’s works and our response to them. The imagery of verse 1 encouraged generosity and trust in God’s provision, highlighting that the outcome of our actions, though uncertain, is overseen by God.

The verses that follow counsels us to be diligent and proactive by emphasizing the importance of diversification and preparedness, recognizing the unpredictability of life. By spreading out our efforts and resources, we trust that God, who knows all, will bring about a fruitful return.

Verses 3 and 4 remind us of the certainty of God’s creation and the unpredictability of life, “If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be. He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.” We are encouraged to act in faith without waiting for perfect conditions, trusting in God’s sovereignty over the elements and our circumstances.

In verses 5 and 6, we are reminded of our limited understanding as we are called to humility and trust in God’s mysterious and wondrous works.

Finally, verses 7 and 8 bring a call to rejoice and to remember that we are to find joy in the blessings God provides while acknowledging life’s fleeting nature.

DAILY MEDITATION

If we follow biblical principles of generosity and wise financial management, we can enjoy God’s hand of blessing on us.

Steven Ridings