More from Ecclesiastes

There is a wealth of wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes!  I am just taking my time in this book and trying to take it all in!  Although I have found taking it all in and actually applying it in my life is two totally different things!  Today, I was reading in Chapter 5.  Solomon is very candid about what our attitude should be when we enter God's house (our place of worship)!  We should have the attitude of being open and ready to listen to God.  Sometimes we are tempted to want to dictate to God what we think we should do instead of being open to His leading.  We need to be "good listeners"!  I remember telling my kids when they were young that a "good learner" is a "good listener"!  It is so easy to let our minds wander when we are sitting still and quiet in God's house when in fact, the whole reason we are there is to worship God and get our marching orders for the days ahead!  If we're not open and listening....we are going to be out of step in the days ahead.  Solomon then reminds us that we need to be careful about making promises to God.  In times of desperation in our lives we often voice to God that if he will do this or that then we "promise" to do ........!  Solomon reminds us that it is better not to vow than to make a promise to God and break it.  It is better still to make a good promise and keep it!  In verses 10 & 11, I got hit right between the eyes:  "He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase:  this is also vanity.  When goods increase, they are increased that eat them:  and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?"  We always want more than we have!  Solomon observed that those who love money and seek it obsessively never find the happiness it promises.  Wealth also attracts freeloaders and thieves, causes sleeplessness and fear, and ultimately ends in loss because it must be left behind.  No matter how much you earn, if you try to create happiness by accumulating wealth, you will never have enough.  Whatever your financial situation, don't depend on money to make you happy.  Instead, use what you have for the Lord.  God wants us to view what we have (be it little or much) with the right perspective--our possessions are a gift from God.  Although they are not the source of joy, they are a reason to rejoice, since every good thing comes from God.  We can be content with what we have when we realize that with God we have everything we need.  I have a saying hanging in my family room that says "Be Happy With What You Have"!  It is a constant reminder to me to count my blessings and be thankful to God for his abundant gifts and provisions!