Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Meaningless?

Whoa! I just finished reading Ecclesiastes, and I'm afraid spending too much time in that book might force a person into a severe case of depression.
Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!
I mean, I sometimes have days when I feel that way, but the author of Ecclesiastes spent an awful lot of time pondering this stuff!
*yikes*
Even so, sprinkled in the pages here and there I found segments of hope. Like this one:

Then I realized it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him - for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

I enjoyed reflecting on those words. God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.
I thought, I don't really care who gets whatever I leave behind. It doesn't matter if I accumulate wealth, or if I have nothing to my name. God has put me in a place and brought people into my life according to His perfect plan. I am HIS instrument, to be used for HIS kingdom purposes. I have the joy of knowing my Savior! And to be used by Him!
It occurred to me that God is, indeed, keeping me occupied with gladness of heart. And because of what HE has done, I must respectfully disagree with Mr. Ecclesiastes.
I see none of this as meaningless.

As long as I am surrendered to my God!

Karen

3 comments:

Ronel said...

Amen!!

Anonymous said...

I guess when my husband says to not let life bother me - that he really is quoting Ecc - kind of like don't let the little foxes spoil the vines kind of thing. How often do I get frustrated with something maybe that really is meaningless? I'll try to think about that the next time my husband says, "Don't let it bother you.":)

Karen Hossink said...

Ronel - So be it!

Blue - Indeed, so many things are not worth the energy of our frustration. Ah, to know the difference between that which is meaningless, and that which is not!