Ecclesiastes 8 explores themes of wisdom, authority, and the mysteries of life. It reflects on the limitations of human understanding, the unpredictability of justice, and the proper response to life’s uncertainties, urging reverence for God and patience in the face of life’s inequities.
Don’t Hurry to leave the King’s Presence
Ecclesiastes 8:3 (NIV):”Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases.” Imagine standing in a grand palace, before a powerful king. The weight of his authority and presence is undeniable, yet something inside you compels you to rush away. The king speaks with wisdom, urging patience and loyalty. This advice resonates deeply. It’s not just about your relationship with an earthly king, but a reminder of the importance of being present with the King of Kings, the Lord Almighty.
In our fast-paced lives, how often do we hurry out of God’s presence, distracted by the demands of our day? His presence is always near, yet we may forget to pause, reflect, and simply be with Him. Deuteronomy 4:39 (NIV): “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” God surrounds us at every moment, filling heaven and earth. As He declares in Jeremiah 23:24 (NIV): “Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” Living in God’s presence is not a distant concept. It is a reality, as we are reminded in Acts 17:28 (The Voice):”We live in God; we move in God; we exist in God.” Yet, we often fail to acknowledge Him, much like standing in someone’s presence while ignoring them. God is with us, waiting for us to realise He is our constant help, comfort, and guide.
Being Aware of His Presence
How do we practice being aware of His presence? It begins with knowing, not merely feeling, that God is always there. Hebrews 10:22 (AMP): “Let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith.” We are invited to boldly enter His presence, not only when life demands it but in the quiet moments, too. Brother Lawrence shares that the key to friendship with God lies not in changing what we do but in how we view what we do. Whether it’s eating, working, or relaxing, these are all opportunities to commune with God. Psalm 16:11 (AMP) “In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand, there are pleasures forevermore.”
Practicing God’s presence is like shifting from worrying about life’s problems to meditating on His Word. As Rick Warren says, “If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate!” This awareness of God’s presence transforms how we live, work, and even think. James 4:8 (AMP) “Come close to God, and He will come close to you.”
So, as you move through life, remember: Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Spend time with Him. Seek His wisdom. Live in His presence, where there is peace and joy. And know that He is always with you, closer than you think.