You don't need unlimited resources to find happiness. In fact, you already have what you need to experience it.
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Ecclesiastes 2 Summary
Yesterday's post defines some of the key words in Ecclesiastes, which make it much easier to understand.
The Preacher, who is based on the life, work and writings of King Solomon, like many middle aged men before and after him, is trying to make sense of the world, and he's not having much luck.
Most people don't have the unlimited resources necessary to fully immerse themselves in the pleasures of life, but King Solomon had the resources and so he did whatever his eyes desired (v10).
Yet even after building great things, eating the best foods, and amassing massive amounts of possessions, Solomon found that there was nothing to be gained under the sun (v11).
Dig Deeper
You probably won't be able to come anywhere close to being able match the means with which Solomon had to work with. So if he couldn't find happiness or fulfilment, this chapter might lead you to conclude that finding meaning is life is simply hopeless - a chasing after the wind (v11, 17, 26).
But don't miss the two key statements in this verse that tell you exactly where enjoyment is to be found.
First, learn to enjoy your work:
There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil (v24)
In other words, slow down and celebrate the good things your job provides: both the food it brings you (whether it's top shelf food or bread & water really doesn't matter), and the fulfillment that doing your job well gives you. Too often we race past these things looking for something 'better.'
Second, keep things in perspective.
So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me... (v17)
For as wise and successful as what King Solomon was, it was his lack of understanding life above the sun that was his downfall. He thought that the here and now was all that there is.
But you know differently. You know that the work you do in this world is under a curse (Gen 3:17), and full enjoyment of your work will always be just out of reach.
But you also know that the curse has been broken by your Savior who is coming again to make all things new, and that even the broken work you do now can be done to honor and glorify Him.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father in heaven, above the sun
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will be able to enjoy your work and the benefits it provides.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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