Some years ago, this was the title of a song in the “Lion King” movie. Here are some of the lyrics.
In the circle of life – It’s the wheel of fortune – It’s the leap of faith – It’s the band of hope – ‘Til we find our place – On the path unwinding – In the circle – The circle of life. This song “explores the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The lyrics reflect the birth, growth, struggle, and death of life, emphasizing that these events are not linear but part of a continuous journey. It encourages listeners to find their place in the world and embrace the infinite potential and mysteries of life. Overall, the song serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have in our interactions with others and the environment, urging us to live with purpose, balance, and compassion.” This is a good encouraging message to help us navigate a life that seems at times simply the “same old, same old” every day.
My morning devotion was in the first chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes. The writer of this book wrote about the circle of life. He expressed it in the following verses in a somewhat pessimistic way. “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1.2-9)
Although he begins with a very pessimistic view of the world and the circle of life, as one reads the whole of the book there comes a very uplifting message. This message is written throughout the book and is summarized in Ecclesiastes 12.13, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
The writer concludes that what makes life worth living and what gives us purpose is our relationship with God. It is only in this relationship with the creator of all things that we can find joy and happiness and fulfillment in life. And so, let us lean into him. Let us enjoy his love and the things that he has made. Let us look for those God moments in the daily routine of life. Let us watch and see what marvelous things he will do in our lives and the lives of others.
In Christ Alone
** DATE CORRECTION: ** from last week’s Mid-Week Lift
November 26 at 6:30 PM – Thanksgiving Eve service at our church (Bermudian Church) with Pastor Zach from St. Paul’s Red Run Church delivering the message.
Bermudian Church
No responses yet