This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, as I walk into this new work day, my soul embraces what the Teacher declares as being good: refreshing my body with drink and nourishment and enjoying my work, whatever it may be. The striving and over emphasis on “ambition” can be draining. Why? Because life is short. And where I am is where You would have me to be in this moment.
Master, it is not something that is new to me, a concept I have not thought of in the past. On the contrary, I have read this verse countless times, nodding my head and saying in my soul, “Yep, that is for certain.” But this morning I sense You nudging me to a different level of gratitude. Not one that exclaims just, “Thank You, God for filling my belly and giving me a way to provide for myself.” But instead, a contentment with where I am, knowing that I am exactly where You have placed me in this moment. And You are calling me to a place of contentment – for this is my lot.
So today, I thank You that I do have food for my belly, drink to refresh my parched soul, and work to provide for my needs. I thank You for providing for me especially when I thought I was doing it myself. I realize that many times I take these little things for granted. I often find myself longing to do something else or regretting choices I have made in my past regarding my life and livelihood. Yet, I can say for certain these three things:
- You have been good to me.
- You have taken care of me ESPECIALLY when I made bad choices.
- You have been with me.
No. I don’t have all that I would want by this world’s standards. But I can say for certain that I have all that I need. You are supplying and taking care of that for me. And this morning I rise up and say, “Thank You, Jesus. You have been good to me.” Enable me to “toil” today to Your glory. Amen.