Ecclesiastes 4-6

The I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him–for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

Before this passage, the writer of this book talks about the many vanities of life. He refers to them as "grievous evil" and "chasing after the wind".

The examples of vanity is all around us. It's no secret that the world is after wealth and power. We all want this to different degrees. But seeking after wealth and power is vain, because, "Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." We see examples of misery caused by our desire for wealth and power each day. Yet, so many of us are convinced that if we just had little wealth and little power they will make us happy. So we keep down this road of "chasing after the wind".

True contentment with our life is truly nothing other than a gift from God. It is interesting how the passage says God "enables" us to enjoy what we have in life. Only God can give us the right perspective, meaning, and the direction for our lives. Only through him, can we learn to accept our lot that he has given us. He will give us all that we need. Excess of wealth and power is not a blessing aside from God.

Let us remind ourselves this day that it is God and he only that can give us joy in our lives. Everything is from him. Everything leads back to him. Let our hearts be glad this day in his endless love for us:)