Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
Solomon doesn’t want us to wait too long to remember the importance of God. This passage should speak loudly, even yell, at young people today. Sadly, I could recognize myself in some of the “older” traits Solomon describes here. The outward signs of aging are becoming more of a reality for me. Yet, most of the time, I am in denial that I have reached and passed “middle age.” Thankfully, I remembered long ago how important God is to me. Solomon just confirms that significance.
But whether you are young or old, it is never too late to give devotion to God. He wants to be the ruler of our lives no matter what age we are. I think Solomon worried that the older we get, the more set in our ways we become and making changes can be hard. If we aren’t already remembering God and thinking of him regularly, it can get harder the more time passes.
Satan has a way of packing our time with his distractions, even when we are doing our best to be good followers. Sin can creep into our life without us knowing from one of three sources of temptation: the world, the flesh, and the devil. That’s why we need to stay on alert by remembering God often. Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself wavering at times. When times are good, we often forget God, rather than rejoice. When times are bad, we either cling to the promises of God or blame him for letting something bad happen. In good and bad times, we need to remember God.
Jesus knew we would need reminding when he shared the last supper with his friends. In Luke 22:19, we read about what Jesus did. “He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Remembering God isn’t reserved for the communion table alone.
What does your devotion time look like? I’m always curious about other people’s practices. Are you an early morning person cuddled up in a blanket before the family wakes up? Are you a middle of day person using your time with God to give you that boost to get through the rest of the day? Or are you an evening person, cherishing each moment you can reflect on the day together with God?
Just because I gave only three examples doesn’t mean there aren’t other possibilities. In fact, the more times we remember God during the day, the better. We don’t have to spend hours reading Scripture or praying. A nod and a smile acknowledging God in every moment is remembering him.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, you are so worthy of my remembrance. You walk beside me in the good times and the bad. Help me to always think of you and recognize your presence. I sometimes forget and try to do things by my own power. Forgive me, Lord. I know your power is so much greater. Thank you for the reminders you send, blessing me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
