February 16, 2022

Ecclesiastes 5: 18-20 (NIV)

It is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor . . . during the few days of life God has given him – for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

Our effort to do good originates from our appreciation for the salvation already provided and our understanding that the parameters Jesus sets for our lives are designed to bring the abundant life.*

We often get caught up in trying so hard to do the right thing - to discover God’s perfect will for our lives - that we don’t recognize that God might just expect us to savor the life we have. If you are reading this, I think it is safe to say that, whatever issues you may be facing, you have not been called to a life of suffering.

So Solomon, in his wisdom, shares his observations with us:

· It is good and proper to eat and drink. Yes, and necessary. And God provides. 

· It is good and proper to find satisfaction in your work. You might find that your satisfaction comes from within yourself rather than from the job itself. 

· God has provided you with stuff and the ability to enjoy it – it is his gift to you. 

· When you are content with the life God has given you, you probably won’t have time to agonize over whether or not you are living up to your potential or meeting God’s expectations. Your life will reflect your gratitude and your stewardship.

Solomon and I are not trying to minimize the need to seek God’s will for our lives. Staying in tune with God is essential to gaining and maintaining abundant life. We are called to be faithful and obedient, but as someone else points out, “If you are a pregnant virgin or an angel wants to wrestle with you, God may have a plan for you. Otherwise, it’s likely you are not a main character in the story he’s writing.”* 

Though we may not be the main characters in his story, everyone’s role is important. Our desire should be less for receiving direction and more for developing wisdom.*

From his caution about trees in the Garden to the mysteries of Revelation, the Bible consistently communicates God’s love, his wisdom – and his apparent unconcern that we figure him out.*