“If I Knew Then What I Know Now…”
Have you ever said, “If I knew then what I know now, I would…”—and filled in the blank with a decision you would have made differently? Or perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering, “Why does life seem so unfair?” Why do “good” people suffer, while those who do wrong often seem to prosper? These questions feel especially sharp in moments of loss, particularly when we face the death of someone we love.
The old hymn Farther Along captures this struggle well:
“When death has come and taken our loved ones,
It leaves our home so lonely and drear;
Then do we wonder why others prosper,
Living so wicked year after year.”
These are sobering words that reflect the universal reality of pain, grief, and the seeming injustices of life. None of us is immune to suffering or disappointment. If you’ve ever asked these hard questions, you’re not alone—and this week’s lesson is especially for you.
This Sunday: Ecclesiastes Chapter 4
As we continue our study in Ecclesiastes, we turn to chapter 4, where Solomon—the Preacher—offers further reflections on life under the sun. He doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of our existence. He sees the oppression, the toil, the envy, and the isolation that can define our lives. Yet, even amidst these honest observations, we are pointed toward a greater hope.
Solomon ultimately concludes the book with this powerful reminder:
“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
As Christians, living on this side of the cross, we not only agree with Solomon’s conclusion, but we also rejoice in the fuller revelation we have in Christ. Through Jesus, we are invited into a relationship with the one true God—our source of peace, comfort, and eternal rest. We are no longer merely living under the sun but under the SON.
Anchored in Christ
When life feels shaky, uncertain, or unfair, we are reminded of where our true foundation lies. The hymn says it beautifully:
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”
A Prayerful Heart
My prayer as we gather this Sunday is that we would search God’s Word together—not just for knowledge, but for understanding and application. May we be wise stewards of the lives God has given us, living each day in grateful recognition of the One who gave us life.
“For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)
And all who agreed said—Amen.
~ André McMillian
Here are a few Scriptures to meditate on this week:
- Psalm 118:8–9 – “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
- Ephesians 3:12 – “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
- Hebrews 3:14 – “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”
- 1 John 2:28 – “Continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.”
- 1 John 5:14 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
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