Title: Merry While You Still Have Time!

Text: “Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us many profound truths about life, time, and eternity. In our text today, the Teacher encourages God's people to embrace life with joy, gratitude, and gladness of heart. He says, “Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart.” This is not a call to reckless living, but an invitation to enjoy the blessings that God graciously provides.

However, hidden within this verse is a very important condition: “for God now accepteth thy works.” True joy belongs to those whose lives are acceptable before God. Under the New Covenant, this acceptance is not based on human merit but on faith in Jesus Christ. Those who have repented of their sins, surrendered their lives to Christ, and are walking in obedience to His Word can rejoice because they have peace with God.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This peace brings a deep and abiding joy that circumstances cannot destroy. Believers may face trials, difficulties, and disappointments, yet they possess the assurance that their names are written in heaven. Jesus promised, “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). With such a hope, God's children need not live in fear of the future.

The certainty of eternal life gives us every reason to be joyful. We are free to enjoy God's blessings, to rest from our labours, and to celebrate His goodness. Yet Scripture never permits us to use God's gifts carelessly. Sadly, many people interpret enjoyment as excess. They feast without restraint, indulge in drunkenness, and pursue pleasure as though there is no accountability before God. Their focus is only on the present moment, forgetting that life is brief and eternity is certain.

God's Word warns against such behaviour. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The believer's joy should not come from intoxication or worldly pleasures but from a life filled with God's Spirit and guided by His truth.

Furthermore, our celebrations should never make us blind to the needs of others. While many dine at rich tables, multitudes struggle to find their next meal. While some overflow with abundance, others live in desperate need. As followers of Christ, we are called to look beyond ourselves and to reflect the love of God to those around us.

Jesus taught, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). The Apostle John echoes this truth when he asks, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17). Genuine Christianity is not only seen in prayer and worship but also in acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.

Therefore, while you still have time, be merry. Rejoice in the salvation God has given you through Christ. Enjoy His daily blessings with gratitude. Share meals with gladness. Celebrate His faithfulness. But do so in moderation, humility, and love. Remember those who are struggling. Remember the poor, the hungry, the widows, and the forgotten. Let your joy become a blessing to others.

Life is short, and every day is a gift from God. Let us neither waste it in sorrow nor abuse it through excess. Rather, let us live joyfully, responsibly, and generously, knowing that our hope is secure in Christ and that our labour in the Lord is not in vain.

May we be found among those whose works are accepted by God, whose hearts are filled with holy joy, and whose hands are extended in love to those in need.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of life and for the salvation we have through Jesus Christ. Help us to live with joyful hearts, grateful for every blessing You provide. Guard us from excess and selfishness, and teach us to remember those who are less fortunate. Fill us with Your love so that our joy may bring encouragement and hope to others. May our lives be pleasing in Your sight and our hope remain firmly fixed on eternity with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.