The Teacher's Final Lesson - Matters of the Heart

 

🌿 Matters of the Heart Series

The Teacher’s Final Lesson

A Reflection on Ecclesiastes by Carol, Age 74 – Still Becoming Who God Designed Me to Be

"I don’t want to be a spectator on the sidelines—I want to be involved."

In a world chasing wind, I’ve chosen to chase wisdom. At 74, I could believe I’ve missed my moment, that there’s no audience for my voice. But I’ve learned that God doesn’t need the world’s platform—He builds His own. What I’ve seen, what I’ve survived, what I’m still learning—it matters. And if this speaks to even one heart, then this seed is planted in good soil.

This devotional is my reflection on Ecclesiastes, a book written by Solomon in the autumn of his life. As I, too, walk through a new season, I see how the things I once thought were everything were really just shadows. Now, I want to walk in the light of what’s true. And I want to bring others with me.

This is not just a devotional. It’s a lesson from the Teacher, echoed through my own heart. You are welcome here.

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
(Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV)

This morning, I asked God to take me somewhere I hadn’t planned. My Bible fell open to Ecclesiastes—not a coincidence but a divine appointment. At first, the word “meaningless” echoed like a bell through the chapters—so often repeated, so heavy. I asked the Lord, Why did Solomon, a man gifted with such wisdom, see everything as meaningless?

And the answer came gently, through the stillness of reflection: Because he had seen the futility of everything done apart from God.

Solomon had lived a full life—rich in wisdom, honor, and material success—but by the end, he realized that without purpose rooted in the Lord, even the most lavish life is but a vapor.

Like me, he had spent seasons building, searching, helping, leading, and sometimes falling. And now, with the maturity of years behind him, Solomon was no longer dazzled by what the world calls success. Instead, he offered us this final lesson:

Fear God. Keep His commandments. That is everything.

This is our true assignment.

When I read Ecclesiastes 10:17–20, 11:1–10, and 12:1–14, I felt like the Teacher was whispering to me:

1. Speak carefully. Even your whispered thoughts matter to God.

2. Sow your seeds. Be generous in kindness, in truth, in time—you never know what God will bless.

3. Rejoice, but remember. Don’t waste the light of your days.

4. Aging is coming. Death will visit. But don’t fear—just be faithful.

And then I saw myself in Solomon—not as a queen or ruler, but as a woman in the autumn of her life, wanting what’s real and eternal. I don’t want to chase after smoke. I want to build on solid rock.

So today, I write this as my heart’s agreement with the

Teacher’s Final Lesson:

Lord, help me to live a life that means something—not in the eyes of the world, but in Yours. Let my words have weight, let my days have purpose, and let my heart stay tender to what truly matters. When all is said and done, may I be found faithful—not flashy. Rooted—not restless. Reverently, not rushed.

Because in the end… You are the meaning behind it all.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for Solomon's wisdom and the quiet reminders You place in our path. Help me live each day with eternity in view. Teach me to sow good seed, speak life, and honor You in all things. May my heart echo Your truth and find joy in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question

1. What is one area of my life where I have been chasing the wind? 

The area in my life that I have been chasing in the wind is wanting to be in full control and not surrendering my will, and trusting God with full control.

2. How can I shift my focus back to what truly matters?

Keep moving forward with joy, plant good things, and trust God with the results. Don't delay in doing good.

My scripture that supports this is: Philippians 1:6 

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you (me) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus".

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