I turned sixteen the summer before my junior year of high school. Along with the new excitement of being able to drive came the responsibility of having my first “real” job. I worked as a cashier at a neighborhood pharmacy and gift shop in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, taking phone calls for prescription refills and stocking the shelves with face lotion and hand soap. But the best part of this summer job was something we lovingly referred to as “Christmas in July”—receiving all of the seasonal products for Christmas at the pharmacy, pricing them accordingly, and keeping track of inventory until they put out the Christmas items in late fall.
I was constantly confused by the juxtaposition of the stifling Alabama summer heat with the Santa Claus figurines and snowflake ornaments. Even so, I loved that job. The fragile ornaments and figurines needed special care while unpacking, and even though it meant I left covered in glitter every day, I paid special attention to them, lifting them gingerly out of their boxes and placing them on the storage shelves where they would sit until they made their debut in the pharmacy. It might not have been the most important job, but I found purpose in it.
King Solomon had one of the most important jobs in the Old Testament. God called him to build the temple where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites (1Chronicles 22:6–10). This was an incredible honor, one that God didn’t even entrust to King David, who was considered a “man after [God’s] own heart” (1Samuel 13:14).
Despite all this, Ecclesiastes 2 tells us that King Solomon struggled with the purpose of work. He writes, “I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile” (Ecclesiastes 2:18–19). To the author of Ecclesiastes, leaving his work behind after death made it meaningless, a pursuit of the wind. But he goes on to explain that while he felt as though his work was meaningless, there is “nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work” (v.24).
In Genesis 1, after the creation of humankind, God instructed Adam and Eve to work, telling them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). God’s design for humanity always included work—it preceded the fall! Our work is not meaningless; we are called to it. And when we do our work for the glory of the one who worked first to create us, it has eternal meaning and significance.
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99 thoughts on "The Emptiness of Work"
Work is Kingdom. I was designed and crafted by God for good works which he prepared beforehand. Everything I do matters and I should enjoy the labor process.
That unlocked a core memory! I grew up working in a boutique that had Christmas ornaments come in July to prepare for the holiday. It was my favorite time of year!
Loved it!
Thankful for this study
This week I want to thought about eat, drink, and enjoy my work.
Chase a wind… but, why we chase? I thought there is something mean that hiding.
This brought so much encouragement! Sometimes I think what I’m doing is pointless, this just shifted my perspective.
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I needed this reminder! I need to work on doing my work fueled by God’s love and purpose rather than my own strength!
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It’s not what you do. It’s HOW you do it. Work as if you’re doing it to God. Not to man.
I’m still confused sometimes when it comes about work places. I’m a teacher, I really like to educate people, but teaching piano for children didn’t fill me with joy. After 4 year of child raising I have to go back to school. I’m pretty nervous and it’s still a big question how to select a job, how to find joy but not looking for perfectness. I’d really like to serve God and enjoy what I’m doing at the same time. And not to mention the work I’m doing while being at home with children. That’s also a big challenge, to enjoy and to believe that it serves God and his glory.
I’m still confused sometimes when it comes about work places. I’m a teacher, I really like to educate people, but teaching piano for children didn’t fill me with joy. After 4 year of child raising I have to go back to school. I’m pretty nervous and it’s still a big question how to select a job, how to find joy but not looking for perfectness. I’d really like to serve God and enjoy what I’m doing at the same time.
Find the purpose of your job and be joyful ❤️
I love this! Sometime we struggle to much with our job that missed the big picture but in my case I truly love my job so I can definitely see how Jesus is using my job to change my life and the people in my team. He is so thoughtful
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Wow! Thank you to everyone who responded to me! I am now filled with excitement to keeping learning about the things God has left for us to discover through education. God has blessed me with this amazing community. You truly “encourage one another and build each other up” as Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
To all my fellow students, let’s enjoy gaining wisdom about the incredible creation God has handcrafted for us, and give Him praise!
The first job I’ve landed after I graduated, is one I didn’t enjoy at first. I was so excited when I got it, I thought of all the things I could do with it (my job is as a mentor for YP’s in high school, who come from a deprived area) and then when I started it, I didn’t enjoy it so much! I felt restricted, worn out, left to deal with behaviour problems that I wasn’t qualified for, without any support from other members of staff. Its been a hard first year, coupled with having to work and support YP from home. However, my role is changing and this time away from my workplace has made me realise; I was never meant to look to other people for the ultimate help (granted I shouldn’t have been left alone without supervision or support) but the job I’m doing was given to me by God for God. Just believing and trusting that as the phase return starts for schools here in the UK, I can remember whose job it is in the first place: the One from whom comes all blessing!
Do everything for the audience of One ❤️
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Proverbs 3:6-7
6In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn
away from evil.
This verse came to mind while completing this study. And it all seems futile, I believe we were designed to only find satisfaction in him.
I’m reading this from Sydney Australia, and the first thing I picked up on was how you said it felt strange to have the Christmas ornaments in the stifling summer heat. This is our Christmas every year.
It’s hard a perpetual grad student (what it feels like at times) to find meaning and value in my work, bc all I do is just preparing me for the end result while not feeling like I am accomplishing anything. But today I am reminded that any honest work I do for the glory of God is not wasted and God uses all things for his honor and for the good of those who love him…
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Amen…powerful. thank you
Hi Brooke!
Thanks for sharing your heart. God has placed those desires in your heart to turn into actions for His glory! Try to see high school as an opportunity to gain knowledge to use for His glory. I also remember how much time I had in high school to be involved in a lot of extracurriculars. I know during COVID it’s hard to get involved in things, but spend time volunteering for things you are passionate about, join clubs and church groups where you can use your gifts and talents to do work for Him. I try to see life as a balance of “filling up” with knowledge of Him and knowledge of the world and “flowing out” where we utilize our knowledge and talents to further His kingdom. Schoolwork (as meaningless as it may seem) is part of your balance of filling up. That way, you will have the energy and resources to flow out and serve others. I hope this helps!
Taylor, I love this perspective. Thanks for sharing this encouragement with Brooke and the rest of us.
I’m sitting here in tears (happy tears) considering what I think of my job versus seeing it as the work God has for me. Thank you Father for entrusting me with your beloved children and asking me to love them, guide them, pray for them and take care of them. I am blessed
L
What a beautiful reminder that what we are called to do, even in the mundane of it and even if we will never see the fruits of our labor. It is not meaningless. It’s a seed planted that will grow long after we’re gone!
Hi all,
I’ve loved reading everyone’s responses!
I am a student in high school, and sometimes I feel guilty about doing homework. I think of all that is going wrong in the world and how I am just at my desk doing math homework. I know my “job” and my work during this season is school, and I know that completing it is obeying my parents, which pleases God. However, I still sometimes feel guilty about doing it when I could be “doing something for God.” It is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that I can glorify God through schoolwork. I do love learning about science and praising Him and how intricately he designed creation… but the busywork sometimes leaves me feeling guilty.
Can anyone give me advice? Bless you all!
Hi Brooke, you are doing what God wants you to do. He wants you to be filled with wisdom from both the secular world and with HIS word. I struggled with those thoughts when I was a stay at home Mom. I think we all struggle and wonder if we are doing what he wants. Trust me, you are. Do everything with love and the best you can. ❤️
Hi Brooke! I think doing your work in high school and really working at it with all your heart is great preparation for whatever God has planned for you to do in the future as well! You are learning the valuable skill of focus, perseverance and dedication! Keep up the good work!
Hi Brooke! I’m 37, my husband is 42 (and believe me, you will be 37 before you know it!) last week, we sat around a table with my parents and my Grandma (89 yrs young!) and asked each other if we could go back in time, what would have we done differently… ALL OF US- said we would have paid more attention in HS & College. The education you are getting now is material you will never be required to learn again, so soak it up now! Dive deep into the sciences! Learn all you can, enjoy extra classes, go to additional lectures, and keep your eyes in God! …and I promise you will be happy you did! Xo!
I have been learning to rest in the fact that I am glorifying God with my work over the last few years – coming out of college, studying day and night, and starting my first job as an engineer. Today’s reading helped validate some of my feelings, but ultimately reminded me that my work glorifies God.
I completely understand this message now, it’s blessed me tremendously. Sending love, blessings and prayers to you ladies! ❤️
Nothing like a bit of truth to hit you right where you know it’s right and it’s of God! Wow. I’m struggling with work at the moment, so much, but I’m so lucky to still have a job. I really needed to read this today!
The scriptures today made me think of a song we sing at church called Lay My Work…
https://youtu.be/plwNqZAKqgc
Your call in my life is alive and is well; Spirit come open my eyes
To see that my days they are counted as Yours and the work of my hands not despised
For in You even death is itself redeemed! How much more, then, each hour You live in me?
Chorus:
I will lay my work at the foot of the cross
Where the final work was done
So I can take it up in the light of grace
And with a thankful heart work on
Bridge:
Father of healing, we’ll follow their cries Father of wisdom, we’ll teach to be wise Lord of all justice, we’ll fight for the truth For Your kingdom on earth is us living in You
Jesus, in service we’ll follow Your lead Spirit, at work in the details our creed Maker, Creator, we’ll shine in full view
For Your kingdom on earth is us living in You For Your kingdom on earth is us living in You
We will lay our work at the foot of the cross Where the final work was done
So we can take it up in the light of grace And with a thankful heart work on
Because Your yoke is easy, Your burden light
By Your Spirit we may know
That as Your hands and feet we will sing fear not Where You call us You will go
The main point I got from this passage is that work and its fruits will not in themselves bring us joy. God meant for us to work and reap the rewards, but the real joy will come from
Him, and not from the work itself.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Been struggling with feeling any sense of work lately. I’ve had many jobs, addictions counselor, nanny, barista and lately as a substitute teacher but for now no out of house work. God guide me towards your plan.
So let me just start by saying I’m a control freak. I like to do everything, organize everything, because I want it to be done my way. (Think Monica on friends…. just not as crazy) This passage was such a great reminder to me that I must deny myself and take up my cross, to follow Jesus! The message version of verse 9 says “everything I wanted I took- I never said no to myself. I gave into every impulse, held back nothing.” Here I am, reading the rest of the passage and thinking… “well I know I’m supposed to find purpose in work, but dang it sometimes I just hate it!” And then I realized that sometimes work is not fun and I want to complain and a lot of times I give in. I let the bad attitude settle in and ruin a perfectly good day. And it’s because I didn’t say no to myself! I didn’t say, “god put me here for a reason” and ask him for help. Instead, I gave in to what I wanted to do and complained and had a bad attitude. i loved that Ellen said “when we do our work for the glory of the one who worked first to create us, it has eternal meaning and significance.” What a great reminder that I am never toiling in vain as a child of God and that I can loosen the reigns and deny myself that pleasure because God has given every day lasting meaning and significance.
Amen!
Amen! I love your perspective
Needed this passage today!
I am currently at home taking care of my 2 months old baby and my 3 years old daughter. Soma days feel like what Salomon talks about. I look at the day behind me and ask myself: What did I do all day? Fed the baby, fed the older one, changed diapers, made snacks, fed the baby again. It feels like I didn’t do anything important. But God called me to this, it is important work even if it feels small sometimes.
Most days I feel just the same most recently and it is a struggle in my mind, reminding myself that God does not do anything by accident, so all that is transpiring and me being home during this pandemic is a blessing. I just need to stay close to my hope in God and remember that just as the Father loved Christ, so He loves me.
I feel like this too sometimes. My husband finishes work and comes downstairs to chaos. Unwashed dishes and toys everywhere and I wonder what value I’ve brought to the household that day. But my little boy is fed and clean and happy and that’s what I’ve achieved
Blessed Beth, you sound like me but I am a nurse. I am going to nurse until I feel the Lord tells me it is time to stop.
Lisa I fully agree with you.
Sarah D., you are wise beyond your years. Your comment really struck me and made me think. i hope you don’t mind if I copy it on to an index card and keep where I can read it frequently.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I myself have often felt like the author of Ecclesiastes. I have struggled with pride and worried others may not do the job as well as I do. I have tried to find joy in material possessions, or consumed alcohol to “loosen up” and be more fun. What a blow to find out I am replaceable at work after all, the excitement of a new purchase is short lived, and experimenting with alcohol only leads to poor decisions. As many of you have mentioned, the common theme in those situations is that I’m focused on myself. I’m navel gazing instead of looking up. When my perspective is shifted to do all things for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and not mine, that is where lasting fulfillment lies.
Angie, praising Jesus and praying continued strength for you and your husband. He is so very good our Lord. Thank you all for your insights, and sharing. I glean so much from all of you and am thankful I get to read your thoughts and the wisdom God shares in this place gives me joy. Solomon is right it is futile all of it, but God, it is all meaningless and we work in vain. But He gives us His work and can do so in any position or place He gives us to work in. I have been blessed to work in many different places and positions and in all of it what I have learned is that when I listen and watch for the Lord, He gives me good things to do, to speak, and to give Him praise and that makes the daily difference as I seek to encourage and love those he puts in my path. I am so blessed to work with the people I get to now, in a place that looks out for clergy and missionaries financially worldwide. I am so blessed by both the vision of the leadership and the integrity and servanthood of everyone there. Because of who our clients are, I feel that I get to serve so many who serve the Lord and how truly awesome is that. So thankful. May God give you all His joy in whatever He gives you to do.
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Ecc 2:20-21 really made me think of what Jesus did for us, he worked so hard of earth to teach and show the people the way to freedom was through God. He gave everything to save us, we didn’t earn it or deserve it but we still receive salvation and grace from God. Much like Solomon’s fear of leaving his empire to someone who doesn’t deserve it.
I love my job! I work with kids and mainly kindergartners. They are so adorable! So when this pandemic happened and schools were closed, it was so hard for me. God gave me this job! When I first went to back to work full-time it was hard. But through the years (just celebrated 10 years)
 I have grown to love these little children, pray for them silently and love on them as most of them are with us longer than they are at home. 
Is working vanity or good? What is the motive of our labor? What power do we use to complete our work? In Genesis 1:26-28, we see that God created humans and gave us the purpose of working and subduing the earth. Then Solomon expresses this angst of which I’m familiar. His experimentation with trying to find satisfaction in his work (as well as in pleasure) brings him to draw the despairing conclusion that it is “all vanity.” Why? His focus seems to initially be on “what does it do for me” kind of thinking. But then, not only does Solomon seem to have his mind reoriented to remember God’s gifts and purposes in our lives, but in John 15:9-11, Jesus teaches us that for those who abide in him, we will be equipped to do the good works of love. And love is truly the motive we are to have for everything we do. First, love for God, then for our neighbor. It is by the power of the Spirit of Christ who dwells in us that we can complete the work the Lord has and this for his glory. Without abiding in Christ all of our work is empty, but in Christ our work is blessed. What a gift! What a promise!
I am with several of you who said yesterday that they didn’t know what to do witn or what to write in the columns in the books. The first day, Churchmouse, you put in your comment something for each column but since then no one else has hit. I read the intro of the book but just didn’t quite undertsand it.
Now to the devotion, this devotion and especially this sentence “And when we do our work for the glory of the one who worked first to create us, it has eternal meaning and significance.” remind me of a frequent discussion I would have with my father when he was alive. I am an LPN, have been for over 40 years, I enjoy what I do. Yes there are days I get frustrated and upset and even think about quiting but it never lasts long. My father would frequently say to me, “You need to go back to school and get your RN. You can make more money and do more. You can get further in your career.” My response was always, “I don’t want to Dad.” Finally one day I said, “Dad you want me to be happy doing what I’m doing don’t you?” He said, “Yes.” I said, “I’m happy doing what I’m doing right now. I enjoy my work. If I become an RN I won’t get the hands-on, patient care work I’m doing right now.” He never mentioned it again. Ecclesiastes 2:24 “So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.” speaks to my heart and my soul and my occupation. I guess I got into nursing because I love to help people. God bless all you my sisters. Still praying for you and your husband, Angie.
Praising the Lord!!! Hallelujah!!! Angie, contuing to pray for a complete recovery with no residual effects.
I was struck by this passage: “I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? “….this is a very human reaction, however this is exactly what Christ did for us. He completed ALL the work of salvation, so that we didn’t have to, and we reap all the rewards that redemption offers. This is the difference between Life Under the Sun and Life In the Son.
This reading today is a hard one for me – hard in the sense that it makes me question so much about my own work. I’m 32, work a ‘typical’ 9-5 job in marketing, and also offer freelance social media services on the side. For me, I find joy in the creativity of marketing and social media, but ultimately it’s to collect a paycheck so that I afford to live. I have student load debt, my husband and I want to buy our own home, we are trying to get pregnant. How I wish I could be my own boss, and rely solely on enjoying me freelance work, but financial reality doesn’t make that possible right now. This has been something I’ve really struggled with as I deepen my faith, and something I pray about often. I know God has blessed me with the skill to communicate, to write, to speak, etc. but how do I use that best to His glory? I ask for guidance often, and I place my hope in Him that he will unveil the way so that I can find more joy in the everyday and use my talents to glorify Him.
God has given you gifts to use to work, you are providing a valuable service to those you work for. It’s OK to want a house as long as your identity is not tied up in it. God works and we work as an expression of bearing his image into the world.
Hi Kelly. I would highly recommend reading “Garden City” by John Mark Comer. It talks a lot about what you just shared on. I just finished reading it for a second time and it is truly eye opening to all those questions we have :)
For those praying for my husband and me…
Yesterday we are counting as his first fever-free day. His temperature stayed in the 98-99.0 range all day.
However, today he is in the 96-97 range which is his normal!!!!
Praise God, I think we/he is coming out of this! It is a slow process as some of the other symptoms linger but, we are on our way! Hallelujah!
I am believing I am okay…just a little battle worn.
God is good sisters, all the time.
Praise God!
Hallelujah is the perfect word! When I woke up this morning I thought of you Angie.
Praise! Thank you for the update ❤️
Praise the Lord!
The things Solomon talks about in Ecclesiastes 2 make me think of idols.
These idols are prominent even today.
Pleasure.
Possessions and Wealth.
Knowledge.
Successful work.
In a season, each may seem fulfilling, each may be the priority, and yet…
When we stop to take a breath, when we remove our rose colored glasses, when we “get real”, we know truth –
they are never enough. They leave a chasm that we cannot CROSS alone.
I think Solomon’s sharing is his “getting real” moments and, he was wise enough to know, they needed sharing.
In our culture the push seems to be NOT to say anything that might seem hard or difficult. Just be quiet and accept.
And, sometimes I agree.
Many times, I do not.
If you were getting ready to enjoy your favorite dessert, and I knew rat poison had inadvertently been put in. I would keep you from eating it, because I care about you. It is not a judgement, (you shouldn’t really eat that), it is truth (you will die if you eat it).
I know everything isn’t as easy as that example.
But, in Jesus Christ we have life.
If I know what you are doing leads to death (if I know from experience or direct declaration in His Word)…isn’t the greater love sharing the truth?
My love for you does not change…it was strong enough in the first place for me to love you enough to be honest.
You may get mad. I know this first hand in a deep way. But, my love will be deep enough to love you, no matter what. Love you enough to respect you with truth.
I think that is what Solomon is doing.
I feel like he would say, “Guys…I tried all this stuff, don’t waste your time. Here’s what I’ve figured out…Everything I’ve done centers around me…this “I” stuff consumes it does not renew. What is the answer? vs. 24-25 ‘There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him?’ Basically, it’s not about us…it is about God, so do what he calls you to every day and leave it to Him.”
I think that is our call also. Share, in love, what we know from the Word of God, from mistakes we have made in our lives that He has redeemed us out of, then just live each day as we are uniquely called.
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Yes and amen!
Yes!
Amen! ❤️
I really loved this one. I also gathered from this text about how when we are placing our worth in things of this world, we have anxiety. But when we place our worth and minds on that of Christ, it is in Him that we find peace, rest and joy.
This is the work of God that you believe on Him whom He has sent. (John 6:29)
Labour not for the meat which perisheth , but for that meat which endure unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed. ( John 6:27)
Love not the world , neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the list of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust there of: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. ( 1John 2:15-17)
Man as a whole is caught up with work and his accomplishments in this life. I think , my opinion is to stay with what the preacher was making a point of , it’s all futile, it’s only vanity in view of eternal life. Enjoy this life while you’re here but it’s nothing in the end without knowing God. Nothing we have here or have accomplished here will make a difference in the end, only did I know Him.
Yes. The good works that God has prepared for us.
I think in the John passage the disciples are asking about what works will make them acceptable to God and Jesus is saying that you can’t work to justify yourself, only believing in God’s justification of you will make you acceptable. Good work is something we will be doing on into eternity as God restores creation and the creation mandate of Gen 1:26-28.
For me, this passage reminded me that although work is important and we can glorify God through it, it does not define us. When someone asks you, who are you or what do you do? We may say “student” or our job title. But ultimately, our identity is rooted in Christ. We our meant to abide in Christ in everything we do, including our work. Praying I would remember this as I go into my senior year of college and eventually into the workforce. Only Christ defines me. I know who I am because of who You are.
Yes! Our identity is in Christ and our work is an expression of who we are as image bearers of God. So important not to find identity in work. You are blessed to have this sorted out as a college student!
Churchmouse, you are so point! “Peace is elusive when reliance is on self.” All through these passages in Ecclesiastes, I keep noting that Solomon has taken God, the giver of all he has accomplished, out of the equation and totally focused on himself! I have to keep my focus on my Creator, the One fills me with His joy.
Have blessed Wednesday all!
Kerri, you might read the He Reads Truth devotion from today if that is what you are looking for. John did a great job hitting on that. My wife and I read both devotions daily and it’s nice to get several writer’s perspective on the passages.
Churchmouse thank you for your comment! It was a blessing and convicted me in a much needed way. I definitely am in the workaholic camp. I love being busy and constantly having things going on, but this quarantine has called me to a season of rest. I feel anxious and antsy to be able to work again to make money, but that reveals I’m not finding my FULL provision in God. I struggle with the motive and trust piece. Lord help me to lay it all down at the foot of the cross and trust in YOU and you alone as my Provider. Then I will know true peace. Amen.
Work comes in many forms..the ministry, raising children and being a housewife, a paid position, creating art or writing books. Our work should be our passion, and we are all creators, God himself was the creator of the world, and after he was done creating, he saw that his work was good. He also took breaks and rested from his work. No one should ever judge someone else work. Being a stay at home mom, is just as much work as going to a paid position and dropping the kids off at daycare, where other people work to raise others kids, or where teachers work to teach kids. But one thing I think, is God would want us to live our gifts and passions and creativity and make something good like he did. If we are not happy with our work or job, we will feel like its meaningless and we will not feel fulfilled.
I think enjoying our work is very important too. In everything we do, we do it unto the Lord, bringing glory to Him. Then will people see Him in us, and glorify God!
I feel like this devo misses the point of the passage a bit. I wish the author had engaged a little more with why the writer of Ecclesiastes said work was meaningless, rather than jumping straight to “work is not meaningless.” It almost became an apologetic for why the author of Ecclesiastes is wrong, rather than an engagement with the challenge. Why bother having us read Ecclesiastes if we’re just going to gloss it over?
“There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy, his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from him? For to the person who is pleasing in his sight, he gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and accumulating in order to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:24-26,
John 15, Jesus gives us the call to “remain in me” and “remain in my love.” With Him, we bear fruit, we enjoy Him, He is our source. 1 Peter 1:17-25 reminds me of this. The last two verses say, ““for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.”
1 Peter 1:24-25 ESV Good news, remain in Him!
I’m reminded of this Scripture: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/col.3.23-24.niv
Ellen you are so easy to read! I love your stories to match with the story of Solomon. Can’t wait to wake up and read this as the first thing I read in my day! Thanks!
I love that God’s joy results in our joy – Jn 15:11 (and not the other way around). Seeking His joy today and on.
Blessed Beth, thank you for sharing. I just announced my retirement and have really been struggling with the decision. My prayer is that after this time of mourning, I will also be celebrating how my days are filled with more of His work.
Congratulations! Retirement brings new ways of fulfilling God’s work here on earth!
I recently announced mine too. Was a hard thing to do, but as we say: But God! He will lead us into the next season of our lives.
This was a very good reading this morning! But, I’m just curious as to why the devotional skipped over the first 17 verses of chapter 2?
This devotional brings to mind Col 3:17:
It is a common statement that no one lies on his deathbed wishing he had spent more hours at the office. Perhaps, during the upheaval of this pandemic, clarity about the importance of work is under scrutiny. Work, employment, for many is a source of not just financial means but a source of identity. There is anxiety for the workaholic and there is despair for the one who desires to work but cannot, for whatever reason. Where does one find their provision? Solomon had the resources to pursue many projects and he enjoyed the planning and the results. When he realized however that these projects were for a season and eventually would be left to heirs and descendants, he despaired. What if these individuals squandered what he had so meticulously built? Did that then make all his efforts futile? Where was Solomon looking for his provision? He was looking to himself. He held his possessions tightly in his fists. Peace is elusive when reliance is on self. When God is our Provider, when we trust in Him, we can rest. He has “the cattle on a thousand hills.” His resources are unlimited. We are given talents by His hand and we are to use them, not to garner praise and wealth for ourselves, but to further His kingdom on earth. We are to loosen our grasp, unfurl our fingers, so that we might both give and receive. Motive. Balance. Faith. Trust. All are needed when considering the work of our hands.
“Peace is elusive when reliance is on self”
This is so good, Churchmouse! Thank you as always for sharing your thoughts
Loved this insight! So much of Solomon is in despair right now. Thank goodness we can find joy in God through our works instead of solely relying on how we will feel or what we get out of them.
Wise words Churchmouse. I so appreciate your insights!
Thank you, Churchmouse. Our work should bring God glory. That brings me joy.
Praise God, I had the privilege of working with special needs middle schoolers, until I recently retired. I loved my job, and promised God I would leave when I felt it was His wish. Well one day I realized I was so very tired and I knew it was God’s desire for me to allow someone else the joy I had experienced. I went through a time of mourning but now He fills my days with so much of His work!
Beth, I am a speech pathologist and work with special needs children. I know it is definitely the work the Lord called me to and I love what I do tremendously. Bless you for all your years of hard work, enjoy your retirement! ❤️