Solitary Reflections

Call To Prayer

Title: Solitary Reflections

By: Wale Lasisi

Date: 12.10.2023

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2 KJV)

As a young boy growing up many years ago, I once lived close to a place in Nigeria where the government executes condemned criminals and we will go and watch the public executions of these individuals. For days afterwards, I will still be thinking about how they ended up where they ended and it was enough to cement my determination to live right and shun evil. Their deaths affected my heart so much that it aligned my ways towards seeking only good and never to follow after the deceitfulness of sin or seek the hurt of others.

When I eventually gave my life to Christ, I began to understand through the teachings of the scriptures that the heart plays a major role in shaping our character and disposition to things both physical and spiritual. Out of all the channels of interaction that the Holy Spirit could have used to convict us for salvation, He chose the heart and bypassed the eyes, the ears and the brain. So, even salvation could not be achieved without the heart in proper alignment for the Holy ghost to have an in-road and convict so we can believe and then confess the Lordship of Jesus.

Going to the house of mourning textures our heart to think and reflect in solitude without the distractions. This time of deep thoughts is to be used to focus on eternity and examine whether we are truly ready for it or not. Are your ways pleasing to Him or are you preparing yourself for the great doom? The scripture we read at the beginning says in its later part that the living will lay it to heart because we will all die one day. When you do, where will you go? To eternal life or eternal condemnation without end? You choose.

The wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon came to a great conclusion in his deep reflections and meditations after he had explored everything that life has to offer and every realm he could access during his time:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecc. 12:13

Sit down alone and reflect on your life and do a personal appraisal and see where you are heading. A word is enough for the wise.

Prayer point:
Let us thank God for His word. Let’s pray that God will take over our hearts and texture it to heed to His commandments and follow after righteousness at all times.