A popular holiday song has the refrain, “may all your days be happy and bright.” Such is the wish of all who live. It would be nice if there were no days of stress, worry, illness, poverty and death. Reality, though, quickly destroys such a dream. Job observed that man “is short-lived and full of turmoil” (Job 14:1). In view of this harsh reality, Solomon offers two truths.
First, all will have “days of darkness” (Ecclesiastes 11:8). We simply will not and cannot avoid those days of darkness. This is an undeniable fact. So, what should we do with this information? We should use it to our advantage. The saying is true that says, “forewarned, forearmed!” If I know, in advance, that I will have “days of darkness,” then I am: (a) not surprised or caught off guard by them; (b) have time to mentally prepare for those days of trouble (1 Peter 1:13; 4:12-13; 5:8); (c) can use those days to make me a better, stronger person (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-4).
Second, all should remember those dark days. This point is surprising. Frequently we try to forget those low points in our lives. Solomon cautioned not to do that. Rather, we should purposely call those days to mind (Hebrews 10:32-34). Why? (a) It will help us and prepare us in case future troubles come; (b) It will remind us how God delivered us even in the bleakest of times; (c) It will make the present joys more valuable and enjoyable.
