There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26).
Do you ever wonder sometimes...why all the struggle? Relationships with spouses, kids, friends, and colleagues are often challenging and sometimes seem impossible. Why all the striving? Wake up each morning, get the kids ready for school, go to work, come home and run kids to activities, go to bed, wake up and do the same thing day after day. Or another biggie, why do good things happen to "bad" people and bad things happen to "good" people? Don't worry - you're not alone.
I've only walked this planet for 46 years and I have made the deduction that only God knows the answer to many questions. "Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart" (1 Corinthians 4:5). In fact, if we were having coffee across from each other now, we could probably get into a long and interesting discussion about what's good and bad, positive and negative, but I think it would be best to leave it at that for today (smile).
Which brings me to another thought, why is it that one person who has so much can be so miserable and another have so little and be completely filled with joy? That verse from Ecclesiastes 2 seems to explain things very well. I've seen it in my own life. Decades ago I thought I had the best job, best marriage, best kids, best life. It wasn't until a couple years into being "lulled to sleep" in my self-absorbed world that I got a wake up call. My business failed, I lost my second job (yes, two jobs but always broke), and therefore lost my house. During the "fat times" in life, I seem to get easily distracted and step away from spending quality time with God and away from nurturing our relationship. As soon as life came crashing down, I quickly returned my focus back where it belonged all along.
Let's clear the air. Am I saying all these terrible things happened because God made it happen? Of course not - bad decisions and bad economies happen to us all. But I am also confident of this one thing - nothing comes to my life without passing through His fingers FIRST. He allows them for my good - I just have clearer vision and less distractions during the "lean times".
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Since this trying season, I see things through a different filter. A filter of grace, mercy, and new perspective. My shock and anger was replaced with peace and gratitude. How? Renewed FOCUS. As I spent more time in God's Word, peace that surpasses understanding truly poured over me.
"...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7).
What are you going through today? I can't pretend to know your exact pain or heartache. But I can assure you, He does. Look up. When we focus on our circumstances - horizontal focus, we are filled with anxiety. But when we keep our eyes on our faithful God of the universe - vertical focus, He is the only One who gives us peace and joy. I pray that He will open your eyes to this same truth "For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy..."
Amen.
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