Thought for the Month - March 2019
"Life's hard, then you die" by Barry Adair
(The circle of life)
"Life's hard, then you die". I heard this expression many years ago from a good Christian friend of mine. It was said as a throw-away, tongue in cheek, humorous remark but I still remember it all these years later. It bounced into my head again just the other day and it has been running around there ever since. So, I thought I would collect a few of my musings here, as our Thought for this month.
"Life's hard, then you die" isn't a quote from the Bible. But I'm guessing you knew that! However, there is a Bible quotation or two along similar lines, which I will get to shortly. I will also touch on what some have called 'the circle of life', our brief journey through life - and have a quick look at our picture this month too.
A quick search on the Internet seems to suggest that "Life's hard, then you die" is part of a funny quotation from American writer David Gerrold…
Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order!
"Life's hard…" is unfortunately the norm for millions across the globe today. This fact is often cited by atheists as one of the reasons why "there just couldn't be a God". But for an older Thought on this, please see "Why does God allow suffering to happen?". Of course, not only is there a God, but, contrary to the doubters, He is a God of love who truly cares for His earthly children. Yes, life can be really hard, especially for the majority who don't live in affluent countries. However, there is enough wealth and resources to ensure that no one in our world today should be in need. The fact that this is not the case is our failing, not God's!
"…then you die" is a universal truth for all, poor and wealthy. But it is the life to come that is of prime importance. Of course, this makes absolutely no sense to those who don't believe in the supernatural. However, a belief in God and in all His promises shows us that Heaven is our ultimate home. And even a hundred year span on earth will pale into insignificance compared to 'everlasting life'. I always return to the story of Lazarus (the beggar) and the rich man in Luke's gospel. Why was the Lord so interested in the beggar's name, whereas we don't even know the name of the rich man? Simply put, the beggar was a child of God, whereas the rich man was not. Lazarus died and went to paradise (Abraham's bosom). The rich man then also died but found himself in hell…
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:22-23)
One of the wisest men who ever existed wrote about our journey through life - 'the circle of life'. And he recorded a few "life's hard, then you die" type phrases too! These are recorded for us in the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. Solomon is believed to be the author and he wrote it around 935 BC. And if you read Ecclesiastes, I'm sure you can identify with another of Solomon's well-known phrases - "there is nothing new under the sun".
So much of what Solomon saw and felt within daily life hasn't changed in thousands of years. He struggled with the true meaning of life and pondered about the afterlife too -
It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:13, 14)
How can anyone know what is best for us in this short, useless life of ours - a life that passes like a shadow? How can we know what will happen in the world after we die? (Ecclesiastes 6:12)
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
However, after his many struggles, and indeed his pursuit of the 'pleasures of men' over many years; his summary is honest, insightful and full of wisdom…
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Eccl 12:13-14)
Elton John and Tim Rice wrote a popular song from the film 'The Lion King' entitled "the circle of life" -
It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life
One of the wisest men who ever lived tells us that "our place" "on the path unwinding in the circle, the circle of life" is as a child of God. Any other place we find ourselves in is contrary to His plan for us. God is our heavenly Father. He created us and He loves us. He is the author of life and life holds no real meaning without Him!
Seek God, trust Him, revere Him and keep His commandments and your life will have a whole new meaning and purpose!
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
(John H. Sammis)
Until next month (DV)…
Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!