Review: Last week, one of the things Phil encouraged us in was practicing Gratitude.  How did that go for you this week?

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, paying attention to any word or phrases that stand out to you. 

Phil mentioned how he keeps a skull on the shelf in his office.  This is an attempt to practice the words of the preacher, "this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart" (v. 7). How does "laying the end" to heart help us to approach life better?

This passage offers us a number of "opposites," such as "It is better to go into the house of mourning than the house of feasting."  These are hard words, aren't they?  And there are several here in vv. 1-8.  What do you think the Preacher's point is?  For example, how is "the end of a thing better than its beginning" or "sorrow better than laughter"? 

 Phil also mentioned that a friend of his had recently had knee replacement surgery and had asked Phil pray that he would "have the grace to be able to embrace the pain."  What do you think he meant by this? ​

Hard things can take us in two different directions:  They can make us bitter and angry, or they can lead us to throw ourselves into pleasure, fun, and diversion.  Phil said we can take a third way:  "be patient in spirit, trusting the Lord" (v. 8).  What hard thing have you faced (or are you facing) that can help teach you patience and trust? 

Discuss a painful or hard season that God took you through and made count for something good and beautiful?  What situation would you like to see Him redeem today?

In response, practice offering your "hard things" to God in gratitude.  Continue practicing gratitude this week.  Also, you might want to just sit and imagine holding your problem in your hands, then lifting it to the Lord, praying, "Into Your hands, Lord."