Enjoy work, enjoy life, be content

S  -Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 NLT

Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.

O -  This wisdom is from Solomon who had all things available to him and spent a lifetime studying wisdom.  He also spent a life advising people who came to him for wisdom.  Somehow I imagine he came to this conclusion after touring a great many parts of the country and sitting with some pretty wise people,  as well as having some pretty dissatisfied people come to him for advice.  In the dissatisfied people he likely could see a discontent with life that might come from their attitude rather than their circumstances.  I can imagine then coming to him with complaints about their past injustices and focused on fixing past wrongs, than asking him how to move forward in wisdom to a place where they could be content.

A -  The application for me is that I am that sometimes discontent individual who can't let go of a past hurt or wrong, and carries it forward as a burden for far to long.  This can be at work, at home, with friends, and even family.   I am convicted and encourage to  MOVE ON!   Today I must  pledge to eat, drink and enjoy the work the Lord has placed before me.   God has been so faithful and gracious to put in front of me work that I love,  a family that blesses me, and provision to enjoy them all.  I must be thankful and express this thanks by not focusing on the past but looking forward to the future that God has layed before me.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this life you have given me.   I am truly blessed everyday by your provision, and circumstances I find myself in.  Lord I pray your spirit would guard my heart and mind from a spirit of grumbling discontent.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.