All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. Ecclesiastes 2:10
Who doesn’t want to live like that? Who doesn’t want to live without any restrictions in acting on all their desires; giving into to every pleasure because, hey, I’ve labored hard, done well, and now I am receiving my reward? But what reward am I really receiving?
Because really, at the end of the day, habitually acting on all my desires will not give me what I really want, will it?
Because what I really want is more than what the passing pleasures of this life will offer.
With that pesky reality called death always daring to knock at my door, I realize the vanity of living off of every whim and reach for something more lasting.
It’s what we all really want — something that’s lasting — yet the only way to get it is to see our labor as a blessing from the hand of God and act accordingly for who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him (Eccl. 2:25)?
Prayer:
Day in and day out I labor, and for what? To leave all my works to the one who would come after me because one day I will pass from this life and be forgotten? This is vanity, yet, Father, I know it is not vanity when I see my labor as a blessing from You. And it is in this that I place my confidence. Every work, every enjoyment from my labor has worth because of You. Though I will enjoy the fruits of my labor, I will be sure that I test my desires by Your will, only seeking the pleasures that bring good into this world. Thank You that I can reach for something more lasting to comfort my soul when I feel my efforts are useless. Amen.
Truth in love,
Heather
Truth in Love 