A Major Funk

June 6, 2011

Scripture--Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45, Ephesians 2

      "24 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, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Observation--Solomon is in a major funk as he begins writing Ecclesiastes.  "'Meaningless!  Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.'"

I'd say that qualifies as a funk.

Thing is, I've been in a bit of one too.  More on that in a bit. (Maybe)

Why is he so depressed?  Perhaps he realizes what all he threw away by turning his back on the one who gave him his wisdom, fame and fortune.  He had all of those things, but without God, what are they worth?

He goes on to write that wisdom, folly (although wisdom is better than folly) and toil are all meaningless.  Thanks for the words of encouragement, Solomon.

Ah, but wait.  Solomon points something out.  A beam of golden light in his apparent darkness.  Satisfaction in what we do comes from God; it comes from his hand.  But how?

Verse 26 of chapter two provides the answer. "To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God."

Application--My meaning and purpose come from God.  Only by seeking to please him will I find enjoyment in what I do.  I apparently haven't been good in seeking him lately.  It shows in my life.  I need to change that.  Starting today.

Prayer--God, raise me up from the funk hat I'm in by showing me the meaning and purpose you have for what I do.  May I please you.  Amen.