Day 170- The Bible Recap

Today's reading is Ecclesiastes 1-6. Here's what stood out to me:

Most likely, it's Solomon who is reflecting on the meaning of life in the book of Ecclesiastes.

I'm sure Solomon felt he had it all (wisdom, wealth, fame, women, and authority) and yet it all still fell short of true joy.

2:10 says, "And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in toil, and this was my reward for my toil." But 2:11 says, "All was vanity." In other words, life was still empty.

He wrestles with the thought of why bad things happen to good people and why good things happen to bad people. And how, if you walk in wisdom, it doesn't necessarily keep you from difficult times or circumstances.

God's enduring work lasts forever, of which nothing can be added or taken away. So grateful His plans aren't thwarted by man. And also grateful that, through His grace and mercy, He hears our cryful prayers and brings joy and peace to our hearts.

Many times our hard work and toil can stem from envying what others have. But these material things or experiences will never satisfy our need for true joy. It's God who keeps our hearts occupied with joy, not stuff!

Vernon McGee said, "It is rather empty to give one's life to the pursuit of that which does not bring happiness here and has no value hereafter." I would only switch the word happiness with true joy.

~Ann Mays