NOV.28, 2013
How
To Enjoy Things
Read: Ecclesiastes
5:13-20
As for every man . . . to receive his heritage and rejoice in his
labor—this is the gift of God. —Ecclesiastes
5:19
In
his book Daring To Draw Near, Dr. John White writes that several years earlier God had made
it possible for him to acquire a lovely home with many luxuries. His feelings
about the house fluctuated dramatically.
When
he reminded himself that it was a gracious gift from God, he felt joy and
thanksgiving. But when he would begin to compare it with those of his friends,
he would feel proud because he had such a fine house and his joy would
evaporate. His home would actually become a burden. All he could see were the
many hedges and trees to care for and the endless odd jobs to do. White said,
“While vanity clouds my eyes and burdens my heart, gratitude clears my vision
and lightens my load.”
The
writer of Ecclesiastes saw God at every turn in the enjoyment of material
things. The power to eat the fruits of our labors and even the strength to
receive and rejoice in them is from Him (5:18-19).
From
beginning to end, all of life is a continuous gift-giving by God. We deserve
nothing. He owes us nothing. Yet He gives us everything. If we remember this,
we need not feel selfish or guilty. Whatever material blessings we have are a gift
from our gracious God.
Ten thousand thousand precious gifts
My daily thanks employ;
Nor is the least a cheerful heart,
That tastes those gifts with joy. —Addison
God, who has given so much to us, gives one more thing—a
grateful heart. —Herbert
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
