When God Is Left Out
The Bible never disguises how dark things are when God is left out. – Alistair Begg
I feel like I should crack a joke or something right about now. Heh. Ya’ll, this book is heavy on life. But as much as my optimistic self is challenged by the tone in much of Ecclesiastes, this God-inspired circular conversation on how to find satisfaction in this fleeting world is eerily all too familiar and demands our attention.
It’s a conversation without reference to God, and it’s happening all around us.
From the workplace to the latest political debate – and in the confines of our very own hearts and homes – we’re becoming increasingly restless and grasping for answers apart from God.
From Ecclesiastes 1:14-2:23, God is left out. And before we’re too hard on forgetful Solomon, it’s an epidemic that as Jesus-followers you and I are often just as guilty of…
We’re full of confident Jesus-talk at church on Sundays, but Monday through Saturday we barely mention His name.
We’ll stay up all night worrying about tomorrow, without ever a thought of taking it to the Lord in prayer.
We debate world news and politics with personal opinions and despair, but fail to reference our trust in a sovereign God.
We measure our worth by what the world says is successful and feel defeated when we fall short, instead of confidently standing in who we are in Christ.
When God is left out, our wisdom becomes worldly. It doesn’t take long, does it? The longer we spend time away from God’s Word – especially in times of doubt – the more we let the world’s words and ways take over in our hearts and minds instead of Truth. Beloved, the world’s wisdom never, ever satisfies. But wisdom from God is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. – James 3:17
When God is left out, our witness suffers. Our lives are constantly telling a story – pointing others either to or away from Christ. When we leave God out of our answers to this life, we are not only contributing to our own futility; we also miss the opportunity to speak hope and truth to a dying world. God has called us to go into all the world and preach the gospel (Matthew 28:19). How can we preach the gospel to the lost if we can’t even preach it to ourselves?
When God is left out, our souls are left longing. Augustine summarized it best: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they can find rest in You.” Even when Solomon acknowledged that wisdom is better than folly, his heart was still restless at the thought of death that comes to all. Similarly, our tendency towards gospel-amnesia takes our focus off of the fact that for the believer, death is not the end… and that whatever we acquire in this world can never compare to a relationship with God and eternity in heaven with Him.
Let’s Talk: Where in the details of your life have you left God out of the equation?
The good news is that in Chapter 2 verse 24 God’s name is mentioned once again. Trust me, you’ll hear the difference. His name exceeds anything that this world could ever offer. Our hearts don’t have to be restless anymore. Let’s put God back into our conversations and fully live in and proclaim this sure hope to the world!
At His feet,
{Week 2} Video:
If you cannot see this video, you can view it here.
{Week 2} Challenge: When you interact with others and find that suffering is present, hope is lacking, and worldly wisdom is prevalent, purpose to intentionally bring God into the conversation… speaking truth, hope, and the love of Christ to those around you.
{Week 2} Reading Plan:
{Week 2} Memory Verse:
So true. It is so easy to forget God. I find myself doing just that as soon as I step in my work place. I always listen to Gospel songs on my way there.As soon as take my earphone out and step in the office its as if I left God ouside the door too. Why is that? I work with 7 other person. Our company just switch to a new system which we are all trying and failing badly I might say to get use to. There is too much complaining in the office and management attitude is not helping. Already there is talk of quitting to find another job. It is not a healthy working environment.
Dear Father I asked you please to give me strenght to face these duficult days in this office. Give me hope that things will gradually change. In Jesus name I pray.
Solomon is so right. We live such a meaningless life.
I really need Jesus in my life.
Thank you so much for this. I know that I keep God in my conversations, however, what this made me realize is How am I keeping him in my conversation? I surround myself with God all day long. I talk to him. Even when working I ask him when I get stuck how to fix it.
I realized that a huge portion of the time I am only talking to him, I don’t always praise him or ask him to show me the wisdom or the knowledge that I need to be asking for.
Life without God is so difficult to live. I did it for 37 years. I am not sure how I did.
I have been so blessed by the studies of Love God Greatly.
Thank you
What a beautiful prayer for your work situation. I know that has happened to me but I must remind myself “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. He will turn your test into your testimony. Thanks for sharing your story, it helps me to remember that I am not alone in my work struggles. Blessings and joy to you in Christ.
What a beautiful prayer for your work situation. I know that has happened to me but I must remind myself “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. He will turn your test into your testimony. Thanks for sharing your story, it helps me to remember that I am not alone in my work struggles. Blessings and joy to you in Christ.
I totally agree with what you are saying! I am the same, and because of this I have tried to make the point of bring God with me, throughout the day when things are negative I think of Him
Yes, it is easy for us to forget Him just like we forget things, but at times we need something from Him we remember Him easily. It is as if we only remember Him during the times that we are in need or we need something for Him that bad. It is not so good to be true. We should always be grateful every day, the gift of life that He gives us daily is enough reason to remember Him because it is a blessing from Him. He let us live another day of life again. It is so disappointing that we took Him for granted once we get or receive what we are asking for, we sometimes forget to thank Him for the blessings He showered upon us. And that kind of habit should be changed, we must always communicate with Him even if we are not asking for something, we should acknowledge His presence daily because He is always guiding us whatever happens, we should always keep in mind that God ready to accept us no matter what the life brings us. top paper writing services
This is so true. We as followers of Christ tend to put God aside in everyday life,and pick him back up on Sunday. We need to make a conscious decision to infuse God into every section of our lives. Forgetting to do that is easy; but it’s not easy living without him.
Christie so true! I think sometimes we say “I can handle this one” then we make a mess of things. But thank God we want turn at anytime to Him or bring Him back into the situation. ~Sheila, LGG Encourager
Any time I feel like things are falling apart, I wallow in my own despair….and forget about taking everything to God in prayer. I sit and think about how terrible the situation is and how it can’t possibly change or get better…thoughts that Satan himself is planting in my mind. As he sits there smiling and thinking about a job well done, God is there beside me, whispering to my soul, “Come to Me in prayer, child.” I feel that tug on my heart, but all too often I immediately choose to leave God out. That hurts to admit, but I’m so glad you asked this question because I was able to see the answer and how I need to work on turning to God FIRST instead of turning to the world. This was a great blog post…I’m excited about this week’s reading! I hope you ladies have a wonderful week!
Oh I have been there too but it is a beautiful thing that even in that we can hear Him call and then if we just obey and turn to Him He can turn things around. ~Sheila, LGG Encourager
I printed the study at home. There many problems with the font. Words and letters are missing throughout. I’ve printed the last three studies without any issues. Are others having this problem? I can muddle through and simply use my own Bible, I wondered if there was something I could do. Thanks!
As I was thinking about how to respond, I realized that I seem to have left God out of almost everything except Sunday morning church and Wednesday evening bible study. The only other time I can remember mentioning God these days is during the talks of the electons but I believe that is because the prospect of what is to come is so frightening to me that the ONLY way I can stop that fear from taking over is to keep reminding myself that God is in control. It seems to be easier for me to remember that when it comes to the big stuff like who will be the next president. But when it comes to the little stuff like trying to get my eating under control and healthier, I tend to forget to go to God and remember that He is Sovereign. Sometimes I believe that I don’t really forget but am not willing to give up that control. I am so thankful for His persistance. Even though I have failed to keep Him as the center of it all, He has never failed to continue to reach out to me and lovingly nudge me into His direction. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful Heavenly Father!
The thoughts you expressed so echo in my heart! I came to the Lord so much later in life and frequently feel that I am “catching” up to my much younger counterparts. I,too, see God in the “larger” problems of the world, but frequently forget He also cares about my small troubles. How to keep Him the center of my life is a daily struggle whether at work or home. How grateful I am that He does continue to pursue my heart and offer me hope and forgiveness.
I have left him out of my conversations. When discussing problems or disappointments at work or home or with friends, I could have included God in the conversation and offered the hope of Christ. Instead I have offered my opinions and my wisdom which is nothing at all when compared to the wisdom of my Lord and Savior. Now I am asking myself, do I have scriptures hidden in my heart for every situation that could come up in a conversation? How valuable would that be? This blog has me thinking today! So glad God led you in this direction!
Wonderful revelation Penny! There is nothing condemning for us all today but a revealing of areas we can be better 🙂 Don’t you love Gods loving gentle correction and when He directs us! ~Sheila, LGG Encourager
This is a timely message for me. Over the weekend I learned that a dear friend of mine is coming to the end of her several-year battle with cancer. She is currently receiving palliative around-the-clock care and it is only a matter of time. While I know, with certainty, that when the time comes she will meet our Father in heaven and rest with Him for eternity…I am restless. Today’s blog was a sharp message to my heart today–as was Resurrection Sunday–challenging me to find more joyful hope in the truth that for us believers, death is not the end.
Jenny I am praying right now for your friend and for you as well. When we asked we know that He hears us and He wants you to have more hope in His promises. I pray that He begin working His words deep into your heart so that they become immovable and unshakeable and that He become your immediate place to draw wisdom from. Lots of love to you in this time. Sheila, LGG Encourager
I work in health care and fine myself leaving God out of the conversation far too often. People are hurting and need the love of Jesus.
Lacey,
I am going to pray for you.
Heavenly Father, I lift up to you Lacey. She knows your heart for the helpless and hopeless. I ask Father for an even greater portion of compassion to bestowed upon her. May she see as you see. Then Lord, please grant her boldness by your Spirit to speak the Truth. Open doors Lord that only you can open. Father, cut off any lies of condemnation or fear and give her a deeper discernment. Father, bless Lacey to know your great LOVE for her that she may in turn pour that back on others. Thank you for your grace. Be blessed God forever more! Amen
It is so easy to fall back to what we are used to, I have no problem having faith and bringing God into my life for the small things, but then when I really have to trust him and leave everything thing in his hands, I say to myself that he will get me through things and then turn around and try to work them out myself, I shun him from my life after I just recognized He is the only way I will make it through, sometimes it’s really hard
Natalia, I am right there with you! I heard someone say if the devil can’t make you bad, he will make you busy. Now I’m not saying that your extra activities are bad but I do believe the devil can make you confused and overwhelmed. Sometimes we need to be still and find God’s peace. I personally had to start saying no to those extras and choose very carefully when I would say yes. It can be very hard at first but I had to realize that in order for God to be first, I had to make some wise choices so I wouldn’t be too busy for him. I am still working on this and can relate to that overwhelming feeling!
How wonderful to know that God never leaves us nor forsakes us (Heb. 13:5b). This study is wonderful and God knows everyone struggles with all sides of futility and vanities. I find it hard to remain still in Him. I need, need, need! For me, it’s not material things that I struggle with, but it is being extrememly busy all the time. I don’t feel productive if I am not busy. Work, helping in the church, taking on extra at projects, taking classes, taking my daughter to classes, etc. While little things such as, making a family meal for us to sit down to, or just cleaning my house, becomes overwhelming to me! I need to learn to be content just sitting in his presence and being still.
To me this study is a reminder that God’s Word is just as fresh for today as the day the words were penned. I have often wondered just how could ‘the wisest man in all the earth’ so easily forget from Where all the good things he had/achieved came from…and how he could have sold himself and all the women in his life so short. I am loving this study that is re-grounding me in the reason it was penned for all mankind. For one…getting so full of ourselves! Thank you for digging so deep and causing us to do the same.
Joan thank you so much for sharing that with us. I think that is a good word for us all. It is a living word, He is the same yesterday and will be today and forever. God bless you and we are so glad to hear you are gleaning so much from this study. Sheila, LGG Encourager
That is so true, I find that this study has come at the right time into our life”s so we don’t get comfortable in our walk with God. This study has opened me up to what I been going on for awhile, not able to sleep, very restless and etc. I have realized I have left God out of my conversation because everytime I did have Him in my conversation I would hear people say you are always bringing God into the conversation, we could never have a normal conversation. I thank God because at that time I felt a purpose and now I feel an emptiness . So I pray that as I started this study and it has t been easy to start that God transform me in the purpose He has chosen for me. I want to live for God.
It is true that people dont want to hear about God. That has been my experience as well. But, I think that we can never know how God will use those words when we aren’t around. We are not in control of how people respond to the Truth, but we are responsible for what we do with the Truth. Thank you Jesus for your Presence by the Spirit that gives us boldness!
I am blessed by all of the comments. Thank you all for sharing. I might not reply, but your words have impacted me.
We read a devotional on the way to drop off our children to school. I listen to the bible ALMOST daily, on the way to work. And yet, as soon as I get to work and when I get home after work to the busyness of managing a household, God doesn’t come up. My work is very stressful. I manage a lot of staff and am responsible for much. In the last year, I’ve learned to go to prayer throughout the day to manage my stress, at night when I’m awakened by stress, and when I’m doubting myself. My relationship with God has strengthened since I’ve started doing this. I am still struggling daily to be intentional in praying, in discussing God, in being vulnerable. But I am not sure I would be “human” if it weren’t a struggle. I am working on being a better reflection of Christ in my everyday life, in and out of work and home. Thank you for this study. Enjoying it!
There isn’t a reading from this Ecclesiastes study that I haven’t taken to bed at night and thought of during my days. I am so blessed to be in this study. The words, “Meaningless” and “Vanity” are ringing in my world. I find this study to have awaken a much need new mind set in my life. I find these simple truth to be bringing a new peace in to my world, a new direction for life, a sharper focus on Jesus. I am humbled and thankful by these teaching, fill with a new joy. Thank you for this study!
Ecclesiastes is often referred to as pessimistic, yet I think it is so REAL we can’t stand it! God wants to be part of every aspect of our lives & without Him, life truly has no meaning. Yet so often I too find myself trudging through the hard stuff without the joy & peace God wants to bring. Why is it that we think difficulties should be avoided & when they come, we complain & feel hopeless, try to take control & stop including God in our day to day tasks? This past year + has had some really hard situations & I am often discouraged, trying to fix or find my own answers. Matthew 5 & James 1 says we are to “rejoice in our difficulties”!! When our hope is in Jesus alone we know that those challenging times are part of the refining process in becoming all God created us to be. That doesn’t mean we are jumping up & down for joy when challenges arise! Nor does it mean we don’t grieve our losses. It simply means we see BEYOND the circumstance & keep our eyes on Jesus, looking to see what it is HE is up to & resting in the hope of knowing He’s got a plan bigger than our own. I need to take that hope into every moment of my day, good, bad & ugly!!
Thank you for studying a book that is a true reflection of how we often live!!
I have always considered myself to be a Christian, was raised by parents who were open and honest about God in our home. And I’ve always had God in my heart and prayed, when I remembered or when I had “time”, and I considered myself faithful…but on the other hand I have been quite a sinner too. God was just something I always knew was there, but didn’t spend a lot of time investing in. When I did, it was in spurts. I’ve had many trials in my life, all of which I have come out on the other side a better person and can honestly say during these trials I mostly relied on God, but a lot on myself too. Point of the matter is, I knew he was there, and I had faith. But 13 months ago I had my first child. And what I knew of God wasn’t enough, not for me or for the legacy I want to leave for my son. I crave to know him deeper, and have a stronger relationship with Him and to know the Word and how to apply it to my life and in the raising of my child. I, for several years now, listen to pretty much only Christian music, Christian podcasts anytime I am in the car and at work. But I still find myself desiring a deeper connection, and a lack of time or knowledge to do so. When I read the bible, even during this study which I am enjoying, I find myself completely lost for understanding and feel a somewhat overwhelmed. I have easy to read bibles, and any words I find I can’t find the meaning on my own I look up in the dictionary. I have a hard time finding the meaning within the words written in the bible and it makes me feel like I’m not good at this whole Christian/bible reading/devotional/etc. thing at all. But then when I read the weekly posts, it opens my eyes. I know I’m a “baby Christian” and I have a lot of learning to do. I have recently started attending church, and I know I will gain more fellowship and understanding there too. I just don’t want to lose momentum because of my lack of understanding, or for the feelings that may overwhelm me. Prayers are appreciated, and any insight some of you Godly women (men) may have for someone like me. Thanks in advance and God bless!
Marti,
I know EXACTLY where you are coming from. I felt for so long that I somehow didn’t have the “bible reading gene” because nothing in the bible ever really made sense to me, and I was TRYING really hard! Same as you, looking stuff up, reading articles, listening to Christian music. And then my Father-in-Law told me to ask God to help understand the Bible. At first it “didn’t work”, but as I stayed faithful, kept reading and kept asking God to help me understand His Word…He granted my request! And I began to read with a heart of understanding how the Scripture could apply to MY life, to ME. And then when I would read the M-W-F articles from LGG, I was amazed at how many times what I gleaned and what they wrote would line up (not exactly of course). But even when it didn’t line up, I was given a new perspective that didn’t negate what I was getting from the passages, but enhanced it with a new way to see those same verses. I encourage you to pray and ask the Lord to give you wisdom and help you understand the Scriptures. And know that it will happen in His time, but it will happen. Just don’t give up!!!
God Bless,
Netty
I seem to have “lost” my emails for this study.. Ecclesiastes !! I did not receive today’s e-mail… today is Friday April 1…. no this is not an April Fool’s Joke… at least if it is, it’s on me!! thanks for your help…
I’m really blessed with this gospel… truly if we often use to left out God in our daily lives – we don’t notice that gradually we don’t even care about God… i have a co teacher who claimed to be a Christian, doesn’t really know who God is… because she let the worlds words and ways be in her conversation…don’t be ashamed in telling Jesus through the story of our daily walk with Him no matter where we are.. no matter whomever we talk to.. let’s make sure that we know whom we are believe in.. Pass it on his love to everyone… make Jesus the centers of our life, of our conversation.. God bless LGG continue to reach out more soul to Jesus Care..
in Christ love,
Marive Catignas
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