Topic: Enjoying Life [Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 1 January 2020]
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Ecclesiastes 2:1-23
King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 3:12), and he was also blessed with wealth and power. Studying and exploring were passions of his, and Ecclesiastes 2 tells us he indulged in the world’s pleasures. So we might expect him to be content, but the satisfaction Solomon sought evaded him.
The king also tried to find contentment through personal achievement. He successfully built houses, improved the environment with gardens and parks, and carried out an extensive irrigation project (Eccl. 2:4-6). Though he seemed to have everything one could ever need to enjoy life, Solomon found it all pointless.
The story has a familiar ring, doesn’t it? Our world has many educated and successful people, but dissatisfaction with life is an all too common part of their story. While refusing to accept limits on its passions, our culture enthusiastically pursues pleasure. Sadly, such lack of restraint has ruined countless lives.
Solomon had the wisdom and resources to accomplish anything he wanted, but nothing brought lasting satisfaction—except God. True enjoyment comes when we align ourselves with His will. Any other way is meaningless.
Bible in One Year: Genesis 1-3