Readings for today: Ecclesiastes 1-4, Psalms 8
Human beings are such contradictory creatures. We are capable of the most extraordinary things and yet cannot seem to get out of our own way. We have cracked the nut on space travel and the mysteries of the atom and artificial intelligence and yet struggle to create the systems we need to make sure everyone has access to clean water and food security. We are capable of the most amazing acts of love and self-sacrifice and also some of the most horrific atrocities. When we are poor, we are often at our most generous. When we are rich, we are often at our most selfish. When we are humble, we are wise. When we are prideful, we are foolish. And none of this is new. As the writer of Ecclesiastes says so often throughout his book, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
Solomon understood human nature. He was not blind to our struggle and toil and hard, back-breaking work. At the same time, he saw our aspirations and hopes and dreams. And he believed it all to be part of God’s divine plan for humanity. God had given a task to humanity. Be fruitful. Multiply. Fill the earth. Exercise dominion over all He had made. But humanity’s calling had become a burden as sin corrupted the original creation mandate. That’s why humanity seems so perpetually frustrated. We struggle to accept our place in God’s world. So what does Solomon propose as an answer? Gratitude. Thanksgiving. Embracing God’s plan for our lives. Trusting God’s work on our behalf. Listen to how he describes it, “What does the worker gain from his struggles? I have seen the task that God has given the children of Adam to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him. Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. However, God seeks justice for the persecuted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 CSB)
Think about your life. Think about all God has given you. Think about the simple things like your home and your health, the food on your table and the clothes on your back. Think about the gifts and talents and abilities He has given you or the many opportunities you have each day to meet new people and have new experiences or learn new things. Think about the season of life you find yourself in or the step you’re on in your career. All of these things are gifts given for you to enjoy. And yes, I understand God has set eternity in our hearts. A deep longing for something more but don’t let that rob you of your gratitude for the present moment. Don’t let that lead to a perpetual state of discontent where nothing is ever enough. Trust that God has made everything appropriate in its time, even the hard seasons of life. Learn all you can from this moment. Enjoy all you can in this moment. Know that God has brought this moment to pass in your life to draw you closer to Him.
Readings for tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 5-8, Psalms 9