Hope for the Faithful
Be encouraged by today’s Scripture reflection and prayer.
Today's Scripture
Ecclesiastes 8:12 to 13 KJV
“Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him. But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow because he feareth not before God.”
Reflection
I am always left wondering how those who do not worship God seem to live the good life. I have seen men do evil and still be admired and lifted up. One man in particular built an entire empire by exploiting women, to put it mildly, and he lived a long and prosperous life while benefiting from those sinful deeds. Yet I have also known believers in Christ Jesus, sincere and devoted people, whose lives ended far sooner than anyone expected. It makes you pause. It makes you question. Why does it look this way?
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrestled with the same tension. In these verses he observes that a sinner can continue in wickedness over and over and still appear to flourish. His years may even seem long and prosperous. But Solomon also makes something very clear. What we see on the surface is not the full story. God sees beyond the years lived on earth. God sees the heart, the motives, the eternal condition.
Those who fear the Lord, even when life feels unfair or confusing, are held by a promise. Scripture says it shall be well with those who fear God. Not because their earthly days will always be long. Not because life will feel smooth or fair. It will be well because their lives are rooted in the One who holds eternity. Their hope is anchored in a God who does not overlook righteousness, faithfulness, or patient trust.
The wicked may appear to stand strong, but the writer of Ecclesiastes says their days are like a shadow. A shadow looks real for a moment. It even seems to have shape and structure. But it has no substance. No foundation. No lasting value. That is the life built without fear of God. It may seem impressive, but it dissolves as quickly as it appears.
This scripture calls us to look beyond the surface and remember that God is not bound by what we see. His justice is never delayed. His wisdom is never confused. His care for His people is never uncertain. Even when the world feels upside down, it will be well with those who fear Him. He has already secured that promise.
Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to see life through Your wisdom and not through my limited understanding. When I feel discouraged by the success of the wicked or confused by the struggles of the faithful, steady my heart. Remind me that You judge righteously and that Your care for Your people is sure. Help me to fear You, trust You, and rest in the truth that it will be well with those who walk in Your ways. In Jesus name. Amen.
Before You Go
Do you sometimes get discouraged when you see the wicked prosper and live long lives with no fear of the Lord, as if they are being rewarded for their wrongdoing? It can trouble your heart when it looks like those who reject God are thriving while the faithful struggle. But do not be troubled by what you see around you. Some lives may look strong and even long for a time, yet in the end, they will perish like a shadow. Their prosperity is temporary, and their glory fades.
God has promised that it will be well with those who fear Him. He sees every act of faithfulness, every prayer, every moment you choose His ways over the world’s ways. There is hope for the faithful, an eternal hope by faith in Jesus. Our reward is not temporary. It goes beyond this life we have now on earth. It is secure, lasting, and overflowing with the goodness of God. Stay encouraged, stay faithful, and stay near to His Word. He sees. He knows. And He will always take care of His own.
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Starting The Day In Prayer
