Daily Devotions
Ecclesiastes
"God has already accepted your works"
Text: Ecclesiastes 9:7
GOD’S ACCEPTANCE OF OUR WORK
Everyone seems to worry about one thing or another. Some worry about the future. Others worry the present problems they face. Worrying robs one of the joy of living. Solomon’s advice is to be noted.
“Go, eat your bread with joy,
And drink your wine with a merry heart;
For God has already accepted your works.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7
1. “Go, eat your bread with joy”
a) One does not need a lot of wealth to find joy.
b) Eating simple bread can actually bring joy.
c) This was a word of wisdom given.
i) Joy may be found in the simplest things of life.
ii) Try finding joy in just having a meal (even if it is humble bread).
2. “And drink your wine with a merry heart”
a) Drinking of wine may be understood in two ways:
i) It is a reference to normal dining in the home.
Wine was drunk at meal time.
ii) It is a special reference to special celebrations.
Perhaps better wine may be served on such occasions.
b) The meaning is evident.
i) Let the heart be merry.
ii) Let there be joy in having either a home meal or a special celebration.
3. “For God has already accepted your works”
a) One may have special reasons for celebrating.
b) Perhaps a significant piece of work has been accomplished.
c) There is good reason for celebration.
i) That work may have been a job well done.
ii) What is more important is that God Himself is well-pleased
and He has accepted the work done for His glory.
4. Sometimes, we rob ourselves of joy
a) When we become “perfectionists”.
b) When we become overly critical.
c) It is, of course, to do a good piece of work.
And having done that, it is perfectly all right, to take time out for a little celebration.