English 
繁體中文 
简体中文 
Life’s Journey: Embracing Burdens and Blessings
Have you ever thought about life as a journey on a train where we all eventually must get off? We come into this world at birth and, one day, our ride ends in death. Along the way, there are moments filled with laughter and joy, and times shadowed by tears and sorrow.
You know, even though life gives us beautiful moments, it can sometimes feel like a heavy burden. As Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 1:13, “I applied my mind to seek and to search out and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven; it is an unhappy business that God has given to the sons of men to be busy with.” In other words, from the very start, life can be challenging—full of hard work, struggles, and the inevitable pain of growing up. Ecclesiastes 3:10 adds, “I have seen the burden God has laid on men,” reminding us that the toil and trials we face are part of God’s plan for every human being.
Then there’s the part of life that can seem empty. Remember when Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 1:2, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity”? He looked back at all his achievements, his wealth, his grand mansions, even the vineyards and pleasures he enjoyed—and discovered that none of it brought lasting satisfaction. Ecclesiastes 2:11 explains that no matter how much we accumulate or how hard we work, it’s like chasing after the wind. All our efforts, whether in pursuit of wisdom, riches, or pleasure, can end up feeling meaningless when compared to the fleeting nature of life.
But here’s the good news: despite all the burdens and emptiness, there is a way to live a true, good, and beautiful life. Solomon also reminds us in Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 that the best approach is to enjoy the simple blessings God gives us—eating, drinking, and finding joy in our daily work. He encourages us to accept our lot in life with gratitude, recognizing that these simple pleasures are God’s gift to us.
And what about love? Ecclesiastes 9:9 tells us, “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love,” highlighting that one of life’s most beautiful blessings is the love and companionship we share with others. Whether it’s the love between a husband and wife or the deep bonds of family and friendship, these relationships are what make our brief time here truly worthwhile. They remind us that, even in a world that can seem burdensome and empty, there’s beauty in caring for one another and living in harmony.
Ultimately, Solomon concludes in Ecclesiastes 12:13, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” It’s a powerful reminder that while life may be short and full of ups and downs, the path to a fulfilling existence lies in embracing God’s love, living with integrity, and cherishing the simple, beautiful moments we’re given.
So, when you think about your own journey, remember that life is a mix of challenges and blessings. Embrace the ride, lean on God’s grace, and find joy in the little things—because that’s what makes life truly beautiful. Come and learn more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship with us.
We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org