There are two realities for every person living today. Life will end. Life will be called into account. Yeah, I know that’s not the most positive and encouraging way to start a devotional. But remember, we are studying through Ecclesiastes—the journal of Solomon in his most real, raw, and reflective moments. He reminds us, time and again, that life is like a brief breeze that you feel on your face. It is like a vanishing vapor from a candle’s extinguished flame. And sometimes, life doesn’t make sense.

Last time we considered Ecclesiastes 8:12, where Solomon lamented that a person engaged in a lifestyle of sin might seem to be living a long, prosperous life. They oppose God, but everything seems to be all good. Not so fast. In the very next verse, Solomon places life in an eternal framework. For those who oppose God, well…here’s what Solomon says: 

Ecclesiastes 8:13
But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God. 

There is no good end for those who oppose God. In the short span of life, the wicked may seem to be getting along just fine. In fact, they may prosper in the three p’s of the world—position, power, and possessions. But for the wicked, every temporal win adds up to an eternal loss. Remember those two realities of life we started with: Life will end. Life will be called into account. That’s why it will be a horrendous day for those who stand before God, having opposed him all their lives. At the end of their time on this earth and the beginning of the eternal day—“it will not be well with the wicked…because he does not fear before God.”

If you don’t know God as your Father or are not sure where you stand with him, please pray this prayer with me. 

Dear God, I admit to you that I don’t have a personal relationship with you. I acknowledge that I have lived my life on my terms apart from you. I admit I am a sinner far from you. Please hear my prayer. I know I can’t cleanse myself or clean up my act on my own. I am in desperate need of your help. I know you sent Jesus to die for my sins. Please forgive me by his work on the cross. Please cleanse me with your grace. Please embrace me with your love. I know my life will end one day, and I will give an account before you. I want to stand before you as my Savior and Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.