6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?”
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
If someone doesn’t understand what the book of Ecclesiastes is all about, it can be seen as utterly discouraging and pessimistic. After all, listen to the first words of this biblical book…
Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 (CSB): “The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem. ‘Absolute futility,’ says the Teacher. ‘Absolute futility. Everything is futile.’”
So, what is Ecclesiastes about?
Ecclesiastes is about a man (Solomon) who utilized virtually every resource and idea at his disposal to find purpose in life. To satisfy his longing for meaning, he did things like accumulate wealth, engage in massive building projects, explore drunkenness, participate in adulterous escapades, and so much more.
But all of these things and more added only to his deep feelings of meaninglessness. He felt that everything in life was purposeless. It brought him no sense of satisfaction and only contributed to a sense of futility and possibly even depression.
However, there is a key phrase in the book of Ecclesiastes. It is the phrase: “under the sun.” I counted no fewer than 27 times that the writer used this phrase.
Essentially, the writer wanted the reader to realize that meaning that can be obtained in life cannot be found “under the sun.” It is found “above the sun.” It is found in a relationship with our Creator.
That is where the verse I have chosen for today brings clarity to this matter. The writer notes that enjoyment can be had in the simple pleasures and pursuits of life but only as we find joy in our God in it all.
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 (CSB): “There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?”
Did you catch that last part? “Who can enjoy life apart from him?”
Friend, that’s so true! If you live your life apart from the Lord, you are going to be on an endless pursuit of things to provide you with comfort and purpose. Why? Because they don’t ultimately satisfy the longings of our hearts.
But, if you pursue a relationship with the Lord, and seek to enjoy each day with Him, you will discover that your heart’s longings (as long as they aren’t unhealthy and out of control) will be satisfied in Him.
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Lord Jesus, thank You that I am not doomed to live a life of meaninglessness. Thank You that my heart is capable of being satisfied when I look to You to fill it. So, with a desire to know and enjoy You, and with a desire to have my heart satisfied, I will spend time today, and the next day, and the day after that developing my relationship with You. I will spend time in Your Word making the necessary adjustments in my life, time in prayer, and live with a conscious awareness of Your presence with me at all times. Thank You for inviting me into this relationship with You. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 