I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of his life God has given him under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15
God constantly amazes me! His blessings to us, the people He places in our lives, the provisions He gives us to meet all our needs, the peace, love and contentment we can find in Him, and He still wants to give us more.
This same God whom we often see show His wrath and punishment in the Old Testament, and who speaks of such things, as obedience, righteousness, faithfulness, sin and judgment, service to Him, and repentance, also has such a tender, caring side. He has expectations for those He calls His own, but He also wants to fill our hearts with joy. We know this through His compassion, His love for us, His mercy upon us, His goodness to us, and His grace to save us.
But to even desire more for us is incomprehensible. He not only wants us, but he commends us to have “the enjoyment of life. To eat and to drink and to BE GLAD!”
Of course, he wants us to fully and cheerfully enjoy these earthly pleasures in moderation and with thankfulness in our hearts! And He even promises that if we do so, then joy will accompany us in our work all the days of our lives. We know and appreciate the wisdom of this truth. If we are happy and content, working is not nearly as tedious or monotonous. Being busy and using the talents God has given us gives us purpose and worth. And if we are content, we are more apt to wear a smile and maybe even have a song in our hearts as we toil away.
Our gracious God desires for us to laugh, to sing, and to have joy! And just imagine what a blessing we can be to those around us who may need our encouragement and laughter! Doesn’t our God just constantly overwhelm you with His love and grace? There will be seasons of sadness, as we well know, but what a gift to know that we have a God who also wants us to have seasons of blessings and happiness that bring us joy.
“Nothing is better for a man under the sun than to enjoy life!” May His goodness be upon you and remind you of His love and grace. Enjoy the gift of this day and use it to bless others!
Prayer
Dear God, your provisions and love are such a gift to our lives. We thank you for the pleasures that you have given us and for the joy they bring. May we always appreciate the gift of life and be a blessing to others, as you have blessed us. Amen
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