Lord, Help Me
Perhaps one of the greatest understatements every coined is the phrase, “Life is hard.” My assessment is debatable. The fact that life presents challenges is undeniable. Some of those challenges can seem unbearable at
times. Today’s sermon centers around the reality of these difficulties within a Christian construct.
I have learned to appreciate the perspective of the writer in Ecclesiastes 1.12-18. There are conclusions drawn which are less than optimistic. Has God really given an “unhappy business” to keep us busy? Does life seem in vain at times? Does wisdom and knowledge appear to increase sorrow? Can that which is crooked be made straight?
It is easy to want to focus on the good in life. In fact, it is healthy to keep our minds away from dwelling constantly on the negative. However, a Christian life will never be characterized completely by the word bliss in our temporary, and seemingly unfair, world. We should be careful not to convey an inaccurate picture of Christianity. It is okay to admit, “Life is hard.”
How does God fit into all of this? What can we learn about times of sorrow? These are good questions to ask. Our challenges are not an indication that God has forsaken us. Instead, we should treat it as a time to turn to a Heavenly Father who cares for us.
Rob Berghorst, family minister
Lord, Help Me – November 14, 2021: Manchester Church of Christ
(Ecclesiastes 1:12-18:ESV) 12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.15 What is crooked cannot be made straight,and what is lacking cannot be counted.16 I said in my heart, I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.18 For in much wisdom is much vexation,
and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
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