Eternity in Our Hearts

Introduction

The beauty of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that life is full of seasons—times to laugh, weep, plant, and uproot. But as we move into verses 9-15, the Teacher (Qoheleth) invites us to wrestle with an even deeper question: What does it all mean? Why has God designed life with its ebb and flow, its joys and sorrows, its seasons of work and rest?

The answer lies in verse 11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” This verse reveals both a divine gift and a limitation. God has placed a sense of eternity within us—a longing for something more, something lasting. Yet, we are also confronted with the reality that His plans and purposes remain far beyond our comprehension.

How, then, should we respond? This passage challenges us to trust God’s eternal perspective while faithfully living in the present.

Ecclesiastes 3:9–15 NIV

9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. 15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.

The Weight of Eternity

Qoheleth begins by asking a familiar question: “What gain has the worker from his toil?” (v. 9). In a world where seasons come and go, it’s easy to feel like our efforts are futile. Yet verse 11 assures us that God is orchestrating something greater than we can see.

When we consider that God has placed eternity in our hearts, we realize that we were created for more than fleeting pleasures or temporary accomplishments.

This longing for eternity explains why we often feel restless or dissatisfied. Nothing in this world fully satisfies because we were made for communion with an eternal God.

However, the second half of verse 11 reminds us of our limitations: “[We] cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” While God’s plans are beautiful and perfect, they are also inscrutable. This is both humbling and freeing—it reminds us that we are not in control, but it also invites us to trust the One who is.

Living with Trust in God’s Sovereignty

Qoheleth continues by encouraging us to focus on what we can know and do.

“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man” (vv. 12-13).

Instead of speculating endlessly about what God may be doing, we are called to trust His sovereignty and enjoy His daily gifts.

Simple acts of faithfulness—finding joy in our work, sharing a meal with loved ones, doing good to others—become acts of worship when done in reliance on God.

When was the last time if ever you considered work, sharing a meal, doing good as acts of worship?

Verse 14 reinforces this trust: “I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.”

God’s work is eternal and complete, and His purposes cannot be thwarted. The call to “fear God” is not about being terrified of Him but about revering Him, submitting to His authority, and recognizing His infinite wisdom.

Choosing Trust Over Bitterness

Qoheleth concludes this section: “That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.”

This cyclical view of time emphasizes God’s control over all things. Nothing is truly new to Him, and nothing escapes His notice.

But this reality also confronts us with a choice:

Will we submit to God’s wise plan, or will we grow bitter over the things we cannot understand?

Bitterness often arises when we try to control what is beyond our grasp, but trust grows when we accept our limitations and rest in God’s sovereignty.

This trust is not passive resignation but active faith. It frees us from the illusion that we are indispensable to God’s work. As one commentator notes, when we see ourselves as participants rather than contributors to God’s eternal plan, we find freedom and peace. We can say no to opportunities that are not God’s will without guilt, trusting that He will accomplish His purposes with or without us.

The Beauty of God’s Plan

God “has made everything beautiful in its time.” The word “beautiful” here means “appropriate” or “proper.” It reminds us that even in painful and perplexing moments of life God Is still King

This truth should lead us to worship.

As David Hubbard writes, life’s events—both joyous and sorrowful—are a call to trust and obey God.

When we embrace this perspective, we can echo the psalmist: “The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever” (Ps. 136:1).

Psalm 136:1 NIV

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Trusting God’s Eternal Perspective

Embrace the Mystery: Recognize that there are many things we will not understand this side of heaven. Instead of demanding answers, choose to trust God’s goodness and wisdom.

Focus on Faithfulness: Be present in the moment and faithful in the tasks God has given you. Celebrate the simple joys of life as gifts from Him.

Revere God Above All Else: Fear of God guards our hearts from idolatry. If we don’t give Him the reverence He deserves, we will inevitably give it to something else that cannot satisfy. Jesus

Participate in God’s Work: Remember that we are participants, not the source, of God’s work. This truth frees us to serve with joy and humility without succumbing to burnout or self-importance.

Next Steps

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 calls us to trust in God’s eternal perspective while living faithfully today. God has placed eternity in our hearts to remind us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Though we cannot comprehend His plans fully, we can rest in the assurance that everything He does is beautiful and good.

Will you trust Him with the mysteries of life?

Will you choose to worship rather than worry, to submit rather than resist?

Let us respond to God’s sovereignty with reverence, faith, and gratitude, knowing that His eternal plans are for our ultimate good and His eternal glory.

Questions for Further Discussion:

How does the truth that God has placed eternity in your heart shape your daily life?

In what ways do you struggle to trust God’s plans when they are unclear?

How can focusing on God’s sovereignty help you find peace and purpose in the present?

Bibliography

Women of Faith, A Time for Everything: Discovering the Beautiful Rhythms of Life (Nashville, TN: HarperChristian Resources, 2013). BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC, Spring: A Season of Hope (90-Day Devotional) (BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC, 2018). Atinuke Olashore, On Bended Knees (Nashville, TN: Elm Hill, 2019).

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991.

Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003.

Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.

Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.

Questions for Further Reflection

What does the Teacher (Qoheleth) mean by saying 'He has made everything beautiful in its time'?

How can focusing on God's sovereignty help you manage feelings of frustration or helplessness in your life?

What does Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 teach us about the nature of work and toil?

Sermon Notes

Sermon Notes: Eternity in Our Hearts

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 Theme: God has placed eternity in the human heart, yet His plans are beyond us.

Key Points to Consider:

The Weight of Eternity (vv. 9-11):

God has placed a longing for eternity in our hearts, a sense that we are part of something greater. Yet, His plans are beyond human comprehension. Reflection: How does this eternal perspective impact the way you view your daily life?

Living with Trust in God’s Sovereignty (vv. 12-14):

God’s work is eternal and complete, beyond human alteration. Trusting in His sovereignty leads to joy, gratitude, and faithfulness in the present. The call to “fear God” is an invitation to reverence, not fear, rooted in recognizing His infinite wisdom and love. Reflection: How does revering God guard your heart from distractions or misplaced priorities?

Choosing Trust Over Bitterness (v. 15):

Life’s cyclical nature reminds us of God’s control over all things. We are invited to trust His wise plan rather than grow bitter over what we cannot understand. Reflection: What steps can you take to respond with trust rather than frustration when life feels uncertain?

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

What does the Teacher (Qoheleth) mean by saying, “He has made everything beautiful in its time”? How can focusing on God’s sovereignty help you manage feelings of frustration or helplessness in your life? What does Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 teach us about the nature of work and toil? How can you find joy in your daily tasks while trusting God’s eternal plans?

Takeaway Verses:

Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:14: “I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.”

Application:

Embrace Mystery: Trust that some things will remain unclear this side of heaven. Be Present: Find joy in the tasks and relationships God has given you today. Revere God: Place your trust in His eternal perspective, knowing that He is in control. Participate, Don’t Strive: Recognize that you are a participant in God’s work, not the source of it.

Use this note page to follow along, jot down insights, and prayerfully reflect on how you can trust God’s eternal plans while living faithfully today.

YouTube

Eternity in Our Hearts | Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 | Sermon Series: Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning

In this thought-provoking message, we explore Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 and the profound truth that God has placed eternity in the human heart. While we long for the eternal, God's plans often remain beyond our comprehension. How can we trust in His sovereignty and live faithfully today?

Join us as we unpack the Teacher's (Qoheleth’s) insights on work, toil, and trusting God's wise plan. We’ll examine how God’s eternal perspective transforms our daily frustrations and helps us embrace joy in the present moment.

📖 Key Questions Addressed:

What does it mean that God has made everything beautiful in its time? How does trusting God’s sovereignty help us overcome feelings of helplessness? What does this passage teach us about the nature of work and toil?

✝️ Takeaway: Life’s mysteries may leave us wondering, but God invites us to trust His eternal purposes. Discover how to let go of bitterness and embrace the freedom of participating in God’s eternal work.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more sermons and content exploring the book of Ecclesiastes!

📌 Connect With Us:

Website: LaughlinChurch.com Facebook: Laughlin Church Instagram: @LaughlinCommunityChurch Download Our App: Here

#Ecclesiastes #Sermon #EternityInOurHearts #Faith #BibleTeaching #TrustGod #ChristianLiving

Bible Study

Bible Study: Eternity in Our Hearts

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 Focus: Trusting God’s eternal perspective while living faithfully today. Duration: 3–4 days

Day 1: The Weight of Eternity

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:9-11

Key Verse: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Reflection: The Hebrew word for “beautiful” (יָפֶה, yapheh) here means “appropriate” or “fitting.” It implies that God’s timing is perfect, even if we cannot see the whole picture. The word “eternity” (עוֹלָם, olam) refers to an eternal sense placed within us—a longing for meaning that transcends time.

How does knowing that God’s timing is perfect impact your perspective on unanswered prayers or delays? Reflect on a time when something you didn’t understand eventually made sense in hindsight. How did that experience shape your trust in God?

Prayer Point: Ask God to help you trust His timing and to rest in the knowledge that He is making all things appropriate in their time.

Day 2: Trusting God’s Sovereignty

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:12-14

Key Verse: “I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.” (Ecclesiastes 3:14)

Word Study:

“Fear” (יָרֵא, yare) in this context means reverence or awe, not terror. It is a response to recognizing God’s infinite power and wisdom. “Forever” (עוֹלָם, olam) emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s actions, contrasting with human limitations.

Reflection: God’s sovereignty invites us to worship and trust rather than strive for control. When we fear God rightly, we acknowledge His authority and wisdom, freeing us from the burden of thinking we must control or fix everything.

In what areas of your life are you tempted to feel in control? How can you surrender these to God? How does revering God help you find peace in uncertain circumstances?

Prayer Point: Pray for a heart that reveres God’s sovereignty and finds joy in His eternal purposes.

Day 3: The Nature of Work and Toil

Read: Ecclesiastes 3:15

Key Verse: “That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.” (Ecclesiastes 3:15)

Reflection: Life is cyclical, and human effort often feels repetitive. Yet, this verse reminds us that God’s purposes are eternal, even as we labor in the everyday. Participating in God’s work gives our toil meaning.

How does viewing your work as participation in God’s eternal purposes change your attitude toward it? Reflect on how you can find joy in your daily tasks, knowing that God weaves your efforts into His greater plan.

Prayer Point: Ask God to help you see your daily work as part of His eternal plan and to find joy in serving Him through it.

Optional Day 4: Preparing for Next Week

Read: Psalm 115:1-8, Romans 1:21-32

Reflection: These passages highlight the danger of misplaced reverence. When we fail to revere God, we inevitably give respect to something else, which can lead to idolatry and destruction.

What are some “idols” in your life that may be competing for your reverence? How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper fear (reverence) of God this week?

Prayer Point: Pray for discernment to identify any idols in your life and for the grace to give God the reverence He deserves.

Closing Reflection:

Throughout this study, we’ve been reminded of God’s eternal nature and our call to trust Him. Spend some time journaling about how you can live more faithfully in light of His sovereignty.

Memory Verse: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a)

This week, consider how you can embrace trust, joy, and reverence in your daily walk, preparing your heart for next week’s sermon.