This pleases me

I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Solomon was known to be one of the wisest men alive, yet he made decision after decision to follow every whim and fancy of his heart, all in the name of looking for 'meaning' in life. Many times, we go through life looking for 'meaning', but it is in the pursuit of wealth, fame, amassed things, relationships, and even our careers. After a while, pursuit after pursuit, all seem meaningless. What gives meaning to life? Could it be that this ONE relationship we have with Christ gives the most 'meaning' to our lives - making every pursuit we undertake 'meaningful' because he has orchestrated it?

Even the pleasures of working hard at what you enjoy the most is something we are granted by the hand of God. We may think we can eat and drink, being merry all the while, but in the end even than doesn't please - unless Christ is in the midst of every moment of every day. God gives all we find to be a blessing in our lives - even the creature comforts of home, family, food, and rest. We might think we are the ones obtaining all these, providing them for ourselves, but in truth, God is the one who makes these things enjoyable to us.

Solomon's words, "Come, let's try pleasure. Let's look for the 'good things' in life," are really the words so many are saying today. Everywhere we look, people are seeking 'pleasure', but at what expense? Pleasure might be there for a moment or two, but it is soon fleeting. What really gives pleasure to a hungry and hurting soul is being brought into right relationship with our Creator, God. Just sayin!