Scripture:

“What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 (NLT)

 

Perspective:

King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, had experienced great blessing and wealth during his life. His wisdom surpassed others who had come before him. As he reflected on his life, he began to understand that God set everything in its proper time. In the beginning of Ecclesiastes 3, Solomon acknowledges that there is a time for everything. Yet, even in midst of hard work and toil, Solomon understood that life and the benefits of our labor are gifts from God. There is a time for everything, but there is also a time to enjoy what God has given. God never intended for people to overlook his blessings today in search of a blessing tomorrow.

 

So much of life is spent striving. We are always on to the next thing. Have you considered that God doesn’t want you to worry about tomorrow not because He won’t tell you the future? Matthew 6:34a (NLT) says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.” He doesn’t want you to get caught up and not enjoy today. Enjoyment is not frequently celebrated in Christian circles. We are busy doing the work, but too often miss the “enjoying life” part. If you can’t enjoy your life because you are miserable, it may be time to evaluate what you are doing with your time. Work is a gift; family, friendship, and enjoyment are gifts. When we see our life through this perspective, it slows down our striving and a heart of gratitude can take its place. Today is the day to celebrate. Don’t wait for tomorrow to enjoy what God has given.

 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

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