Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 - Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

In Ecclesiastes 11:9-10, the Preacher exhorts young people to rejoice and enjoy their youth, following the desires of their hearts and the things that are pleasing to their eyes. However, he also warns that God will bring every deed into judgment, so they should not pursue sinful pleasures. The Preacher advises removing vexation and pain, acknowledging that youth and the prime of life are fleeting and ultimately meaningless apart from God. This passage encourages young people to embrace the joys and opportunities of their youth, while also keeping in mind the reality of God's judgment and the brevity of life. It is a call to live wisely and purposefully, not wasting the gifts and potential of youth on empty pursuits. The Preacher recognizes the temptations and follies that often accompany this season of life, but urges young people to remember their Creator and walk in His ways. The message is not to avoid all pleasure and enjoyment, but rather to keep things in proper perspective. God wants us to appreciate His good gifts and live with a sense of joy and purpose. However, we must also remember that this life is not all there is, and that we will one day give an account for how we have lived. By removing bitterness, anger, and harmful behaviors, we can more fully experience the abundant life God intends for us. Ultimately, the Preacher points us to the fleeting nature of youth and the urgency of living for God. In light of eternity, the pursuits and pleasures of youth are meaningless if they are not anchored in a relationship with the Creator. True joy and fulfillment come from walking with God, using our gifts and opportunities to honor Him. As we keep this eternal perspective, we can navigate the ups and downs of youth with wisdom, purpose and joy.

The words of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 offer both encouragement and warning to young people. On one hand, he affirms the value and beauty of youth, urging young men and women to rejoice and follow the desires of their hearts. God created us to experience joy and pleasure, and there is something uniquely special about the energy, optimism and possibilities of youth. At the same time, the Preacher offers a sober reminder that God will hold us accountable for how we live. The decisions and actions of our youth have consequences, both in this life and the next. We cannot simply pursue whatever feels good in the moment without considering the long-term impact on ourselves and others. The reality of divine judgment should motivate us to live with wisdom and integrity. As I reflect on my own youth, I can relate to both the joys and the temptations the Preacher describes. Like many young people, I was full of hopes and dreams, eager to experience all that life had to offer. But I also struggled at times to make wise choices, to keep my priorities in order, and to live in a way that honored God. I am grateful for the grace and guidance God provided during those formative years. Now, as a parent and a leader, I have the opportunity to pour into the next generation. This passage reminds me of the importance of affirming the worth and potential of young people, while also speaking truth about the consequences of our choices. I want to model what it looks like to live with joy and purpose in Christ, embracing the good gifts God provides while keeping my eyes fixed on eternity. At the end of the day, the Preacher's words point us to the fleeting nature of youth and the urgency of living for God. None of us knows how much time we have on this earth. We cannot cling forever to our youth, health or opportunities. But in every season, we can choose to walk closely with our Creator and to use our lives for His glory. May we encourage the young people in our lives to make the most of their youth, enjoying the good things God has given them with a sense of gratitude and purpose. May we urge them to live wisely and avoid the traps of sin and folly. And may we continually point them to the goodness and grace of the Savior, in whom we find our true joy and meaning. For youth fades like the dawn, but Christ remains the same yesterday, today and forever.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of youth, with all its joys, opportunities and possibilities. Thank You for the energy, creativity and potential You have placed within the young men and women in our lives and our world. We pray that You would help them to rejoice and embrace this season, enjoying the good things You have given them. Protect them from the temptations and snares that would lead them away from Your best. Give them wisdom to make choices that honor You and bless others. Most of all, we pray that they would come to know You and walk closely with You all the days of their lives. May they look to You as the source of true joy and fulfillment. May they use their gifts and opportunities to bring glory to Your name. And may they remember that their lives are a precious gift from You, to be used for Your purposes. Thank You that no matter what season we find ourselves in, we can trust in Your goodness, grace and faithfulness. Help us all to number our days, that we may present to You hearts of wisdom. We pray this in the name of Your Son Jesus, the giver of abundant life. Amen.