Joy in the Journey
Ecclesiastes 8:15-17
Part of Make It Fun—2024
May 12, 2024

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Theology of Fun

15 So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

16 In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. 17 I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim. —Ecclesiastes 8:15–17 (NLT)

1 Fun is Intentional

Fun Can Happen To Us or Through Us

2 Fun is Spiritual

9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” —Nehemiah 8:9–10 (NLT)

3 Fun is Relational

4 Fun is Attractional

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. —Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)


Go Beyond the Sermon…

Go through the FREE online series of TED Talks with a devotional guide that goes with each, that goes into the learning benefits of play.

Reflection Questions

Why might the author of Ecclesiastes believe that enjoying life through eating, drinking, and having fun is important even amidst hard work?

What implications might Proverbs 17:22 have for how one should approach daily interactions and personal well-being?

Reflect on your past week: Identify a moment where you could have incorporated more joy or celebration into your routine. How might you intentionally create such a moment in the coming week?

During your next gathering with friends or family, how can you contribute to making it a joyful occasion? Plan one specific activity or gesture that could lift everyone’s spirits.

Identify someone in your community who might be struggling or feeling isolated. What is one specific action you can take this week to bring joy into their life?