Ecclesiastes 7:11, 14

WHAT IF YOU COULD CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS? The negative ones. God’s people today—as in Jesus’ time—grapple with negative thoughts and circumstances, but faith-inspired answers help them overcome such thinking. Questions for study and self-reflection and a journal application are included. Be prepared to sit at God’s table of optimism, where you will feast on abundant servings of His peace, hope, and joy!

Life is uncertain, but it’s not a complete mystery. God has allowed us to know who he is, what he thinks of us, and what he will do for us. Begin to discover this in just five minutes a day—and as you do, we pray your faith, hope, and love for him will grow.

Though the book of Ecclesiastes was written long ago, the author’s message couldn’t be more relevant. His ancient voice of despair is echoed by countless intellectual and cultural elites in our era. Yet into this darkness, the beauty of truth shines. In this five-day study, you will learn that while life “under the sun” is meaningless, life under God is truly and deeply meaningful.

We all have a common denominator. We will die. I will die. You will die. Death will defeat you. You won’t be able to dodge it, sidestep it, trick it or make it disappear. But then there is Jesus, the man who defeated the grave. Jesus stood toe to toe with the grave and defeated death. When Jesus talks, the grave speaks.