Ecclesiastes - what kind of word is that?

"Life is meaningless" says Solomon all throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. He wrestles with the meaning of life and how we go through so many trials and toil and strife yet we are left with nothing in the end. I am no great philosopher but I do know that he hit some key points when struggling through writing this book.

"For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not workd for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune." Ecc 2:21. So we get a well paying job while we are on earth. We work hard and then what . . . it is given away to others when we die? All our hard work goes down the drain? Why do we do it then?

He follows up with " A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. THIS TOO, I SEE, IS FROM THE HAND OF GOD, FOR WITHOUT HIM, WHO CAN EAT OR FIND ENJOYMENT?" Eccl 2:24-25. Without God nothing is enjoyable. We work for no reason. There is nothing to be gained without God leading the way. I think sometimes we get so caught up in mission work and that if we aren't missionaries or working directly with people in a church setting or with kids, etc, that we don't realize that no matter what we do, as long as God is in charge and the center, it is good enough for Him. This is such the case with me know and probably in the future. I can't see how my work at Starbucks or later with animals is glorifying Him directly. I am not building into people, I am not telling them about the Gospel, I am only serving them. But that's just it. I am serving them. And what gives me that attitude to do that to the best of my ability? It is my Lord Jesus Christ. If others can see Him through me, through my words, my actions, than I am doing a job worthy in God's eyes.

We can find meaning in life when we cheerfully accept it from the Hand of God. And "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" Ecc 9:10. Just as Paul tells the Colossians: "And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (3:17)."

It's hard to find the joy that we should have in the hope of a risen saviour all the time especially when there are tough circumstances and situations that we are struggling through. But working hard with Christ at our side, will bring us to glory on that day. Be happy and let joy lead the way. Let Christ shine through us and our work wherever we have been placed. Today is a new day, so go out there and grab it!!!