Ecclesiastes 11:9

Ecclesiastes 11:9 (ESV): “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.”

According to a recent survey, 82% of Americans live with the regret of spending their limited time on the wrong things. If we hope to avoid becoming part of that statistic, we must walk in accordance with the will and ways of our Lord.

The Preacher highlights a common error among many young people—they think life is all about them. Their goals and ambitions become the compass for their decisions. Yet, as time passes and we grow older, we realize that many of the things we once thought were of utmost importance aren’t nearly as significant as they seemed. What truly matters is living for the Lord. He has a plan and a purpose for our lives, and we should pursue that. We will all give an account to Him one day, and only those who lived for Him will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Are you living with regret today? You can’t change the past, but you can change the present—and the future. Don’t keep making the same mistakes. Don’t follow your heart—follow God’s. Don’t walk by sight—walk by faith. Don’t live for the things under the sun—live for the One who is above the sun. He is the One to whom you will give an account. Live for Him, and you will live with no regrets. Amen?

Father, we thank You for setting us up to win. May we live for Your will and walk in Your ways. Keep our hearts accountable to Your Spirit, and lead us, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.