The Daily Devotional
Monday, March 11, 2024
Monday, March 11, 2024
Embracing the Gift of Today
Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
Introduction
In a recent book I read, Nicola, a woman endowed with talent and wealth, struggles with the denial of her terminal illness. Her friends, exasperated by her avoidance, confront her, leading to a revealing confession: Nicola believes she has wasted her life, achieving nothing of significance despite her blessings. This realization, coupled with the unbearable thought of leaving the world unfulfilled, paints a stark contrast to the message in Ecclesiastes 9:7, which urges us to "Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do." This scripture's call for joyful acceptance and gratitude for the present moment offers a poignant counterpoint to Nicola's story of perceived failure and unfulfillment.
Reflection
Nicola's journey vividly illustrates the distress we encounter when we focus solely on our unmet aspirations. Her struggle to recognize the value in her life, despite her genuine kindness and loyalty, is a reflection of a common human experience. In contrast, Ecclesiastes 9:7 invites us to a different viewpoint. It encourages us to find joy and satisfaction in our current lives, embracing the notion that our daily deeds are already favored by God.
As I delved into Ecclesiastes, a profound contrast emerged. The Teacher in this scripture confronts us with the unavoidable reality of mortality, directing our thoughts to our inevitable end in "the realm of the dead" (9:10, NIV). This sobering truth, though difficult to grasp (v. 2), serves as a catalyst to appreciate every single moment (v. 4). It calls us to relish in life's simple pleasures, like sharing meals and quality time with our loved ones (vv. 7–9), to find purpose in our work (v. 10), to seek adventure and embrace risks (11:1, 6), and to do all these under the gaze of God, to whom we are ultimately accountable (v. 9; 12:13–14). This scripture not only contrasts with Nicola's perspective but also offers a pathway to finding meaning and joy in the very essence of our everyday lives.
Application
How often do we, like Nicola, overlook the beauty and value of our daily lives, focusing instead on grand achievements we feel we haven't reached? This scripture urges us to shift our perspective. Let us find joy in the simple act of sharing a meal, the warmth of fellowship, the satisfaction of our daily work, and the small acts of kindness we can offer. These moments, though seemingly ordinary, are imbued with divine approval and significance.
Conclusion
Nicola's narrative, intertwined with the teachings of Ecclesiastes 9:7, imparts a profound lesson: the true value of life lies not in grandiose achievements but in the joy and love embedded in our daily experiences. This story, coupled with her friends' recognition of her inherent kindness and loyalty, underscores that our lives hold meaning beyond our accomplishments. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes encourages us to shift our focus, to remember our Creator, and to embrace the richness of life available to us now. By doing so, we open ourselves to a life replete with gratitude, purpose, and deep fulfillment, grounded in the moments and relationships that truly define our existence.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, as Ecclesiastes teaches. Guide us to appreciate the beauty of each day, the value of our relationships, and the worth of our everyday actions. May we, like Nicola, learn to see our lives through the lens of Your love and approval, finding fulfillment not in worldly achievements but in the life You have graciously given us. Amen.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
In a recent book I read, Nicola, a woman endowed with talent and wealth, struggles with the denial of her terminal illness. Her friends, exasperated by her avoidance, confront her, leading to a revealing confession: Nicola believes she has wasted her life, achieving nothing of significance despite her blessings. This realization, coupled with the unbearable thought of leaving the world unfulfilled, paints a stark contrast to the message in Ecclesiastes 9:7, which urges us to "Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do." This scripture's call for joyful acceptance and gratitude for the present moment offers a poignant counterpoint to Nicola's story of perceived failure and unfulfillment.
Reflection
Nicola's journey vividly illustrates the distress we encounter when we focus solely on our unmet aspirations. Her struggle to recognize the value in her life, despite her genuine kindness and loyalty, is a reflection of a common human experience. In contrast, Ecclesiastes 9:7 invites us to a different viewpoint. It encourages us to find joy and satisfaction in our current lives, embracing the notion that our daily deeds are already favored by God.
As I delved into Ecclesiastes, a profound contrast emerged. The Teacher in this scripture confronts us with the unavoidable reality of mortality, directing our thoughts to our inevitable end in "the realm of the dead" (9:10, NIV). This sobering truth, though difficult to grasp (v. 2), serves as a catalyst to appreciate every single moment (v. 4). It calls us to relish in life's simple pleasures, like sharing meals and quality time with our loved ones (vv. 7–9), to find purpose in our work (v. 10), to seek adventure and embrace risks (11:1, 6), and to do all these under the gaze of God, to whom we are ultimately accountable (v. 9; 12:13–14). This scripture not only contrasts with Nicola's perspective but also offers a pathway to finding meaning and joy in the very essence of our everyday lives.
Application
How often do we, like Nicola, overlook the beauty and value of our daily lives, focusing instead on grand achievements we feel we haven't reached? This scripture urges us to shift our perspective. Let us find joy in the simple act of sharing a meal, the warmth of fellowship, the satisfaction of our daily work, and the small acts of kindness we can offer. These moments, though seemingly ordinary, are imbued with divine approval and significance.
Conclusion
Nicola's narrative, intertwined with the teachings of Ecclesiastes 9:7, imparts a profound lesson: the true value of life lies not in grandiose achievements but in the joy and love embedded in our daily experiences. This story, coupled with her friends' recognition of her inherent kindness and loyalty, underscores that our lives hold meaning beyond our accomplishments. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes encourages us to shift our focus, to remember our Creator, and to embrace the richness of life available to us now. By doing so, we open ourselves to a life replete with gratitude, purpose, and deep fulfillment, grounded in the moments and relationships that truly define our existence.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, as Ecclesiastes teaches. Guide us to appreciate the beauty of each day, the value of our relationships, and the worth of our everyday actions. May we, like Nicola, learn to see our lives through the lens of Your love and approval, finding fulfillment not in worldly achievements but in the life You have graciously given us. Amen.
-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
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