Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

1. St. Augustine famously opens his book Confessions by saying to God: “Thou has made us for thyself, and our heart is restless until it rests in thee.” In many ways, this is the message of Ecclesiastes. In what areas of life does your heart feel restless? Where do you feel deeply unsatisfied in this season?
2. Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In view of your answer to the previous question, what could it look like for you to take Jesus up on His invitation and promise in Matthew 11:28?
3. Read Ecclesiastes 12:9-14. A “goad” is a long, pointed stick used for prodding and guiding oxen while plowing. With that in mind, try to explain the metaphor in Ecclesiastes 12:11.
4. Like the book of Job, the end of Ecclesiastes holds out hope for any who struggle amid the mysteries of life and whatever God is up to in the world. Such agonizing struggles are not only affirmed but also ultimately shown to be essential to the Christian life. What role has suffering and uncertainty played in your own life of faith?
5. Read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. Is verse 12:13 descriptive of your life right now? If not, what are the specific things interrupting “the whole duty of man” for you?
6. How does Ecclesiastes 12:14 offer peace about the things you cannot control and a God-fearing seriousness about the things you can? Spend some time discussing and then go to God in prayer about these things. Give Him glory that ultimately nothing is meaningless.