reflection and discussion questions: 

1. Review: Last week we were encouraged to practice enjoying the Lord's presence. (Ecclesiastes 2:25) This coincides with our ongoing practice, in this study, of setting aside two minutes a day of quiet reflection on the Lord. How did that go? Any challenges? Any praises? 

2. Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, and reflect on the following question:  What do you think the Preacher's point or purpose is in this passage–vv. 1-8, in particular?

3. Jean talked about the shift that happens between previous passages that talk about life "under the sun" and this passage's emphasis on "life under heaven."  How does this shift our perspective on the focus of Ecclesiastes so far?

4. Verse 11 says that God "has made everything beautiful in its time."  And then Jean quoted Sarah Clarkson:  "My deep belief is that beauty has a story to tell, one that was meant by God to speak to us of his character and reality, meant to grip our failing hands with hope. We know God when we behold his beauty, when his goodness invades the secret rooms of our hearts. To believe the truth beauty tells: this is our great struggle from the depths of our grief. To trust the hope it teaches us to hunger toward: this is our fierce battle. To craft the world it helps us to imagine: this is our creative, death-defying work.” (This Beautiful Truth) Think about this quote and discuss it together.  Consider what the story of your life reveals about God's character, God's plan, and God's beauty.

5. Verse 11 also says that "God has put eternity into [our] hearts."  What do you think this means, and how does it impact our day to day?

6. What lesson do we need to learn from the truth that "no human can find out what God has done from beginning to end"? Do you find living that truth comforting or challenging? 

7. How do verses 12-13 help us to live this out?  How can you practice being joyful, doing good, or enjoying God's good gifts this week? (Could be something to begin or something to continue.)  Pray and ask the Lord for His joy and strength. 

helpful resources for ecclesiastes: