Series: Lost Plot  
Message: Seeking Meaning & Purpose this New Year 
Preacher: David Smith

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read of listen to Psalm 47:1-3.

Read: Ecclesiastes 12 - As you read in the NLT translation, note 1-3 insights/questions that arise.

Reflect: When reading through the book of Ecclesiastes, it doesn’t take long for one to notice that the book can appear to be pessimistic. So much so in fact that for centuries Jewish scholars debated whether the book deserved to be placed among the sacred writings.  Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes there is often a cynical tone taken…especially in the first half. The author states that people have no advantage over beasts (3:18), that the dead are more fortunate than the living (4:2), and that the life we live is in vain (6:12). These are just a few of many such statements!

However, the Holman Bible Handbook argues that Ecclesiastes should not be viewed as pessimistic or cynical but “brutally realistic” in confronting the “full and dreadful significance of death”. By focusing on these harsh realities, the author leads the readers to abandon their superficial occupations and distractions in order to focus on the ultimate direction one’s life is taking.

Recalibrate: 

1. When was the last time you paused to evaluate where your life is headed?
2. What are the distractions in life that are causing you to neglect asking the big questions? 

Respond: Pray for God to show you purpose and meaning in your life.

Research: Scan through the book of Ecclesiastes. How many sentiments appear pessimistic? Is there ever a shift from pessimism to optimism?