Enjoyment

Enjoyment isn’t found in riches or possessions alone; Ecclesiastes reminds us that God gives the power to enjoy what we’ve been given.

“There is an evil which I have seen under the sun … A man to whom God has given riches, possessions, and honor…yet God does not give him the power or capacity to enjoy them.”—Ecclesiastes 6:1–2 AMPC

Ecclesiastes describes something evil: those who have been blessed, but aren’t able to enjoy their blessings.

What an accurate picture of life for many people! Despite all God has given them, they are not able to appreciate His blessings and fully trust in Him. Rather than having a thankful heart, they are consumed by worry, anxiety, fear, and doubt.

These people spend their time running after the “vapors” of life (Ecclesiastes 1:2)—promises that can’t be fulfilled, answers that don’t truly solve life’s questions, pleasures that don’t last, and applause that quickly fades away. Or they may crave material things, only to eventually discover that such things don’t bring real satisfaction.

People caught up in these pursuits fail to realize that God holds the key to enjoyment in life. Though we can accumulate and feast on the things of the world, only God can give us lasting joy and peace. Without Him, we’re simply chasing the wind. But when we serve God and seek first His Kingdom, He promises to bring us into a new dimension of blessing and fulfillment.

God desires to bless you, prosper you, take away your worries, and enable you to enjoy life and the things He’s given you. Seek first His Kingdom. Surrender your life to Him. He will give you real life, joy, and peace!

Reflection Question: Are you letter God be the source of your joy and contentment?