“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Eccl. 1:14)
I am wary of optimistic Christians, those who are usually looking on the bright side of life, those who nearly always seem to have a bubbly disposition. Many times, they remind me of my mother who, when the vehicle she was driving began to make a noise that did not sound good, would simply turn the volume of the radio up.
Solomon did all within his power to find eternal satisfaction, continuous contentment in this life, and he found that under the sun it was never to be found. Those who tend towards a pessimistic outlook for this planet are most generally frowned upon by nearly all, for it diminishes their hopes of a bright future, and sadly this includes many who profess Christ as Lord.
It is perplexing to me to meet Christians who do all they can to remain happy, to divert their view from the evils of this world, whose main goal seems to be not to be with the Lord, but to live a content life here for as long as possible and then, when the inevitable appointed time arrives, to die comfortably and peaceably in their own beds. The search for happiness is not the search for joy friends, you will find nothing but vexation of spirit in this life.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)
The joy of the Lord is not hindered by the current circumstances that surround us, the joy of the Lord can watch as the wicked gain power, as the darkness approaches, as the intent of evil men is accomplished and still remain in joy.
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
The joy of the Lord is found in a peaceful field as well as a prison cell, in times of plenty and times of want. It is that calm assurance in the middle of the battle.
Before the Sunday morning service begins and as soon as it is finished, the general conversation amongst the congregations tends towards the world, during the service they seek to be solaced, not with eternal joy, but with a semblance of happiness, with a hope that should already be firmly rooted in their souls. Those who spend their time in the world will be affected by what happens in the world and will live lives not in the service of the Almighty in whatever way he chooses for them, but in vanity and vexation of Spirit. They will live in fear, in trepidation of the future, in the continuous and always fleeting search for those moments of happiness and earthly contentment.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
And hate every part of it, for those that love the world are the enemies of the Living God.
Those who serve the Almighty, those who have been born-again have no optimistic outlook for this world, they know that everything here will be melted with fervent heat, they know that most of the people they meet are on the wide path, they know that few will find that strait gate. When it comes to this world, those who have been crucified with Christ are the most pessimistic people on the planet. And so, we are hated by most.
There is no optimism when it comes to eternity though, there are the promises given to us, they are truth from the Most High, and they are never doubted.
The only vexation of our Spirit is in waiting to go home. Serve well for His glory while you wait.
