In review of Ecclesiastes 5:19 it says, “If God gives us wealth and property and lets us enjoy them, we should be grateful and enjoy what we have worked for. It is a gift from God” (GNT).
Today’s verse is from Ecclesiastes 5:8-20, Where Solomon speaks of the futility of wealth and his conclusions. In verse 19 I’m told that it's a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To be able to enjoy my work and accept my lot in life, these are all indeed a gift from God.
I believe that God wants me to view what I have (little or much) with the right perspective; that my possessions are a gift from Him. Although they are not intended to be the source of joy, they are a reason to rejoice because every good thing comes from the Lord. And my focus should be more on the Giver than on the gift. I can be content with what I have when I realize that with God I have everything I could possibly ever need.
I’m reminded of the verse from 1 Timothy 6:17 that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (NIV). That’s the kind of God I serve. He gave me the world for my enjoyment! But here’s the problem: I can get so busy getting more that I don’t enjoy what I have. Rick Warren explains that one of his favorite things to do is watch the sunrise from the slope in his yard. He put a deck chair out there a long time ag. It’s not expensive. It’s faded, and a couple of its slats are broken. However, he loves to sit in that ratty, old chair and watch the sun come up. It gives him great pleasure!
Would he have any more joy watching the sunrise if he were sitting in some expensive barcalounger instead of a ratty old chair? No. It would not increase his joy. In fact, there is an advantage to not having an expensive barcalounger. It’s better to have a ratty chair on the slope. Why? Because nobody steals it!
Today I need to consider, “What am I not enjoying right now?” I can easily get into a “when and then” thinking, “When this happens, then I’ll be happy.” The truth is I’m as happy as I choose to be.
Happiness is a choice! If I’m not happy now, I’m not going to be happy later. Happiness has nothing to do with my circumstances. It has everything to do with my attitude. If I’m not happy living on what I’m living on right now, I’m likely not going to be happy with any more. Because I’m always going to want a little bit more.
Therefore I should remember that happiness is a choice. Choose to enjoy what God has given me right now for my enjoyment!
Bottom Line:
Enjoy what you have, including your lot in life. Then enjoy your work. This is God's gift to me.
What this means to me:
I need to enjoy what I have today, including my lot and role in this life. Enjoy the work I have. All of this are gifts from God.
In summary, It's good for me to enjoy what God has provided me with, (my wealth and my health). To be able to enjoy my work and accept my place in life. These are all gifts from God. This means I need to view what I have with the right perspective, they are all gifts from Him. Allow my focus to be on the Giver and not the gifts. The truth is that I'm as happy as I choose to be. Happiness has nothing to do with my circumstances. It has everything to do with my attitude. Happiness is a choice. Choose to enjoy what God has given me right now.
Today I thank you for Father for the reminder and right perspective, one that is content with what you have provided me and the ability to enjoy it. I can and will choose to enjoy your provision. I also pray today Father that you will infuse me with your wisdom and guidance in handling the things I have in front of me. Help me to be of service and lead those around me. Help me to be loving in my interactions with others. Help me to not get easily upset with things are against me on not coming to me fairly. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Christs name, amen!
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