Ecclesiastes 6 - 1.20.2023

Scripture - What stood out?

Ecclesiastes 6:2

God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.

Observation - What does it say?

King Solomon continues to put it all into perspective for us. In this chapter he writes about people who have wealth, honor, and resources yet God has not given them the capability to enjoy all those things. The entire chapter appears to be more set up for a big truth yet to come.

Understanding - What does it mean?

Ouch. The first thing I thought of Lord was all the “successful” celebrities we lost in 2022. People who had wealth, possessions and honor. Yet they took their own lives. I presume to understand nothing, Lord. It is hard to believe that they were able to feel true joy and peace and comfort as they marched towards those decisions.. While I don’t presume to understand the spirit and mind of any individual, I do believe that King Solomon a man blessed with Your great wisdom and somebody who lived a life of opulence could likely have simulated a joyless life - one filled to the brim with things, yet devoid of the one thing that brings lasting happiness - You. 

And so we have been warned. 

Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?

Lord, as I journey through life here on earth I pray that you would fill me with Your Joy. May I stop pursuing things that give me joy and instead may I pursue the Joy-Giver. Please, Lord, send some rich people my way today. Grant me boldness to proclaim that: happiness is not the product of resources but of the Resource-er. I pray for those who single mindedly chase wealth - Lord open our hearts. Open our eyes. May we see the error of our ways. Help us to repent. Help us to seek true joy. Life in you. Life with you. Life for you. I love you, Lord Jesus. In your name, Jesus ,do I pray. Amen.

-kenneth lee