We Need Not Despair
“So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation.Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 2:20-23
Our reading today finds Solomon lamenting over the toil of his labor. He talks about working hard, using his knowledge and wisdom in pursuit of his vocation and then, upon passing, someone else enjoying the fruit of this labor. Who of us hasn’t in some way felt the sting of Solomon’s words? Each of us has invested in someone or something only to find, either by actions, attitudes or articulations, that our best just wasn’t good enough. How many have come to a place where we’ve invested our all only to be left feeling unfilled and dejected. I’ve known of one such individual who had his own Solomon experience.
He’s a man known to my husband and me. He had been one who could commandeer an audience with his explicit storytelling, engaging demeanor and tales of exploits that crossed continents. We were taken by surprise when during a social event, he withdrew from the crowds and in a brief and uncharacteristic somber conversation, revealed to us the torment of his soul.
His job necessitated him traveling much of the year with some of the trips keeping him from home for successive weeks. When his children entered college, he realized he really didn’t know them, describing them as strangers. During his decades of travel, his wife filled her time nurturing the family, developing friendships and supporting the community in volunteerism. As his work schedule diminished, he found it difficult to find his place in her life. The normal twinkle that characterized his smiling eyes, was gone. Remorse hung heavy on his face as he shared his heart and pain. He spoke of regret over the futility of his labor and told of his desire to have chosen differently. The drive home was quiet as my husband and I absorbed the magnitude of his disclosure and felt the enormity of his sorrow.
Whether we find ourselves looking forward with most of life before us, or we are reviewing our life history and heading into the golden years, it is never too late to consider Solomon’s words. For those of us who may be living with regret, we need not despair. The Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15 serves to remind us that it is never too late to return to God and redefine our lives in Him. As we submit ourselves to Jesus and allow Him to redeem the years the locusts have eaten, He will restore and renew our lives. As we submit ourselves afresh to Him, we can trust God to show us how to live lives filled with meaning and purpose.
Let’s talk: Are you despairing over all the toil of your labors under the sun? Are you willing to commit it all to Jesus and wait for Him to redeem your situation and restore your life in conformity to His will? May we support you in prayer as you trust God to redefine your life in Christ? We’d love to have you share how God restored meaning and purpose to your life.
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I just have to praise God for the jobs he’s given my husband and I. I have such ministry in my work as I work with special needs kids and my job is so flexible. I only work three days while my youngest is I preschool. It’s allowed me to still feel I’ve time to give to my family and so I can feel fulfilled as a wife and mom and as a therapist.
My husband is one year into work with a new company who’s gone above and beyond to appreciate and respect and value his work. He enjoys work now! And his job is also very flexible and family friendly.
God has provided jobs that suit us perfectly and they provide for our needs. Sometimes we wish for more income but we’ve come to realize that the family time and flexibility we have with our jobs far outweighs income. We wouldn’t want to lose time together for more money bc you can’t put a price tag on time!
Thank you God for how you’ve blessed us!
Amen! I am also able to give to my family in ways that make me feel good and satisfied and obedient to God’s call. At the same time, I work as a birth and postpartum doula, so I feel that I can serve women and their families, too. God is so good.
Lauren, thank you for your comments! It is wonderful that both you and your husband have found such joy in your work and you see God in it all!! Praising Him for His willingness to care for us so wonderfully. We rejoice with you as you rest in His providence over your life!!
I praise God that I am in a season of life where my toils are primarily at home, doing what I deeply love–raising our children. These toils are so tangible and visible. Kids who couldn’t dress themselves now do so with ease. Kids who couldn’t use a fork and spoon now have nice table manners. Yet there is so much growth still to come. And so many things that I might never see. Will they follow the Lord all their lives? Will they be good spouses, good parents? I cannot control those things, and it is vanity to think that I can even begin to control the outcomes. My children are in God’s Hands, and He knows their needs and loves them even more than I can. Still, that foolish side of me comes out from time to time, leaving me with the desire to do it all and micro-manage everything. Silly.
Erica, I can tell how much joy you find in raising your children in your words here. That joy and love will take them far, but trust that God’s love will make an even bigger impact and that can shine through you! God has a plan for them, I know. But you are a wonderful example of a mother.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Praise God that he knows my needs even before I do, and he has provided more than I could ever ask or imagine and certainly more than I deserve. The first fruits of my life have been security, significance, wealth, adventure, and the unconditional love of my family and you know who is the author of these gifts my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Erica, I so understand your heart. We prayed for our children faithfully as they were growing and began praying for their spouses even when they were young. We so want the best for our children and it brought comfort to me to know that we were enveloping them in prayer every step of the way. You are so right, we can’t control our children but we can certainly model a Christ-centered home and pray that their desire will be the same when it’s their time to lead their homes. Love your heart, Erica. Thanks so much for commenting.
RAS, praising God for His unconditional love and all the wonderful things He allows us to enjoy. He is worthy of our praise!!!
I am in the process of waiting that the locust had eaten in us will be restored, marriage, family, health, children for our God is a God of restoration, He can restore everything for the is nothing impossible for him as he said in Matthew 19:26. Oh Father God, I know that everything You shall bring it to pass as You have said, I know it was you, who said! I know it will be in your perfect timing and in perfect will, help me to be patient as I wait for your promises to be fulfilled, in Jesus most Holy name the name above all names, Amen,
God is a good good father. And I offer praise to him for the restoration you seek. In Jesus name Amen.
Marilyn, joining you in prayer as we wait upon our Lord to bring to pass all that He has planned for you and your family. He is faithful!!!!
My heart is truly full of praise this morning! I am at the end of the spectrum here with memories of a wonderful life growing up in a loving Christian home, getting to share in raising our children in a home that strove to honor God, and getting to spend my career with my mate teaching children. We are now retired….and enjoy serving God in our little farming community as well as taking part in watching all our children…even our son-in-law and daughter-in-law teach their children and the children they teach at school to love the Lord , Our God. I haven’t always made the right choice, but my God has been ever faithful to love and sustain me. To Him I give all honor and praise and love. This is the day that the Lord hath made. I wil rejoice and be glad in it.
Debby, such encouraging words! Your words today make me think back on all I have learned and my childhood, and so many wonderful memories come flooding in. While in the present we may feel toil, often that fades away and the good memories are what stick out the most. Thank you for that reminder. God is so good!
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Debby, what inspiring words! How blessed you are to have passed on your faith to the generations after you. Loving God and loving others, this is what is everlasting! Praising God for you and your family!
My youngest son, after investing in raising him has abandoned his faith. He has chosen to live in a homosexual lifestyle. He is a great pianist and singer. He was the church pianist for a few years. Me and my husbands hearts were broken over this. God has brought me through darkness to see the hope again. I pray very often that God would take my son and bring him to a place of repentance and restoration. We love him and extend that to him still. Please pray with me for him.
Praying for you and your family, dear sister!
Sheri, you are not alone in grieving over a child living the homosexual lifestyle. My daughter is also living the homosexual life, and it is devastating to me. She tells me she loves the Lord, yet cannot understand why she has these feelings. I pray for the Lord to draw her back to Him and to let her see that He is all she needs. I join you in prayer for our children. I love her and grieve for her. I will pray for your son also. Blessings to you Sheri.
Yes, we are joining each of you in prayer on behalf of your loved ones. Thank you for sharing so that we can pray as your hearts are so burdened. So grateful you shared so that we can support one another as sisters-in-Christ.
I have been self employed in direct sales for 30 years….my role at the top position of leadership U.S. about to change and at 73 I find myself looking back, much as Solomon did….I have never really understood the “all is vanity” before and gave pretty much dismissed Ecclesiastes….others will be moving my team and our company forward…have I made a difference? Are things as I had imagined they would be? I have tried to follow Gods oath for my life, and will continue to pray that He guides my future, my dear team of lifelong friends and those leading our company…the most important thing at the end of the day is knowing that my relationship with God has hugely impacted my own life, my loved ones lives, and those I have worked with.
Heather adds, sorry for typos…blame it on spellcheck!
Heather, we have to leave so much in God’s hands don’t we? But His ways are higher than ours, even with the best intentions. I struggle with this as well.
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Heather, I’m resting in faith that God uses us, perhaps in ways that we are not even aware of, as we live our lives in obedience to Him. Thank you so much for sharing.
Joan, you had me in tears!!! I needed that post!! I lost my dad last September. It came unexpected. He was older but still had a lot of energy and was a very strong and active person. As I read this part of Ecclesiastes from yesterday and today, I asked myself, “What did Dad leave behind that will go on to lead others to Christ”? “What did he invest in that has made a difference to my brother, sister, and me?” Dad was a devoted Christian. He did not leave a lot of money or possessions of this world to his children. He left more…… As I reflect on his life, I can remember him building the church in the community that we lived, buying buses to pick up children so they could come to church, helping his neighbors in difficult times, allowing others to live with him and Mom until they could get through hard times, repairing homes for people in need, singing and playing music in church as a way of ministering, and on and on it goes.
So I sit here and ask myself, What is important, what should I be working hard for, what are my investments? Are they eternal? Will my hard work further the kingdom of God? What about my investment of time with others? Are my conversations such that God is in them and can help instead of harm? Are my relationships meaningful? The Word of God is the greatest wisdom! Am I sharing the Word with my relationships?
I pray that my decisions about my investments will be made by asking myself, “Is it eternal?” “Is this something that I want to leave behind after I leave this world?” If you “can’t take it with you” when you die, then what can I leave behind that can go on and on towards the kingdom of God after I am gone?
Penny, I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, lost my father just a few years ago. But I find strength and encouragement in all the things he left behind in me. He taught me so much. I wouldn’t be who I am without him. And I can carry those things with me and use them to try and reach others. It’s amazing that though they leave us, a part of them lives on in us. So glad today’s words touched you so. Joan did an excellent job. 🙂
Lindsay, LGG Encourager
Penny, what a wonderful legacy your father left! You have certainly been left with a wonderful role model to follow and seen how your father’s obedience shaped so many lives. What a blessing! So grateful you shared your story with us; it’s an inspiration!
The verses today in Ecclesiastes 2:20-21 makes me realize its definitely not about things one can accumulate here on this earth. Clearly that is vanity. One can’t take all their things they have stored up here on earth when they die. My aunt just passed away just before Thanksgiving and looking back on her life just blesses me. She was a loving person. She would cook/ bake for others. If there was a stray dog/cat roaming the streets she would take them in. She would help her family out in so many ways. Now, that to me is what I would want to be remembered for. So grateful for what time I got to glean from my aunt. She definitely is missed and we all loved her dearly. That is what I want to be remembered for how well I loved others.
J- Jesus
O- Others
Y- Yourself
Love,
Karen Davis
Karen, praising God for the legacy left by your aunt. It does sound like she loved her family well. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
I also find myself looking back, wondering what I have done. I look at what I have and where I am. Not liking it, thinking, I should have done better, I should have saved money, I should have kept my career so we would be in a better finacial situation, I should have taught my 5 children more about the Lord. I could go on but we all know this story…lol
What an amazing bible study, God is revealing my vanity, it is not about what I have, what I am it is about HIM, and what I can do to show my children, family and friends about Jesus.
I need to be still and know He is there!
Thank you so much Dear Heavenly Father for opening my eyes.
Bonnie, I once heard it said that many of us lived crucified between two thieves….regrets of yesterday and fears of tomorrow. I pray you will give all your regrets to Jesus and allow Him to give you a peace about your past and your future. We have today and if we allow satan to torment our minds about what could have/should have been we will not enjoy this day nor will we be able to glorify God because of our heavy hearts. I love that God has brought you here to this place of rest in Him. No matter what we’ve done or not done, no matter where we’ve been or not been, it is never too late to redeem our lives in Christ!!!!! Praising God that you have come to find rest in Jesus!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!
Thank you Joan, what an amazing way to look at it – many of us lived crucified between two thieves….regrets of yesterday and fears of tomorrow. I know longer want to be in that place. Learning through Gods teaching and you helping him help me…. sending you a hug (((HUG)))
Joan, your description of your friend and his losses in life really hit home with me. About 8 yrs. ago my husband became disabled. We went from a two income family to one income(mine) overnight. I found myself working 10-12 hrs per day 6- 7 days a week. I did that for 4 years and it was the most agonizing time of my life. Especially since this happened the year I turned 60, just when I was hoping to slow down and spend more time enjoying my family, my church, my friends. Finally, I just said enough is enough and gave all of our finances over to God. I told my husband I was going to work only a regular 40 hr. work week. And it all worked out! I realized that I should have done that long before. Now I am semi retired at 69 yrs. old(still feel I need to contribute something financially) but it is all manageable. I am able to do more service for my church and have the time to spend with people I love. The lesson learned from all of this is– it is “vanity” to think only you can solve your life situations. It is “vanity” to feel that a person has to rely on themselves for financial needs. God will provide what we need when we need it. We just need to turn to Him.
Robbi, I just read your story and it home with me. My husband was in a near fatal car accident 5 years ago and is unable to work. He had so much body damage and a brain injury. I am working a full time plus a part time job to help make up for the loss of income. I also just had to move my mother in with us as she is unable to take care of herself. My road as I had in my mind was enjoying my later years as well. I am trusting God, I could use some of your courage though. Thank you for sharing….
Bonnie, thank you for sharing. I pray you will find the Lord to be your refuge and your fortress as you trust in Him. Praying you will find your courage in Jesus as you face these unforeseen challenges caring for your family members. I had similar experiences some years ago and often wondered how I would make it through one more day. I’m sure God cared for me in ways unknown to me as I was depleted physically and emotionally. Thank you for sharing and know we are praying for you and trusting God to tenderly care for you as only He can do.
Robbi, so grateful God has brought you to this place of resting in His provision and trusting Him to care for you and your family. I myself am a “fixer.” It’s easier for me to get busy solving my problems than take a breath and wait on God to bring His solution to the issue. This has been a constant struggle for me and I praise God for His patience with me and my Type A personality!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Please pray for me. As a young rape victim I did not receive what I needed to heal. I turned to drugs as a young woman and got a drug charge that has haunted me for years. As a Mom and a wife many years later I’m trying to get a full pardon for my charge. Please pray that I receive a full pardon so I can pursue my dreams of becoming a doctor
Dear Melissa, thank you for your comment. We will be praying for your situation and asking God to bring His complete healing and redemption into your life. It’s wonderful that you have a mission for your life and a desire to serve God as a doctor! I am praying He will meet your every need out of the bountiful riches of Jesus and He will do for you what we cannot do for ourselves! So grateful we can support you in prayer and thank you for courageously sharing with us so we can support you in prayer, Melissa.
Reading from state library Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Rev Peter Scazzero. He remarks that taking a step back (to our past) can lead us forward with a purpose in life (figure out WHY we react the way we do..what feelings are we stuffing. Combined with this study, deeper healing is on it’s way. People want to be loved-focus on God’s unconditional love and other people’s love will be icing on the cake so to speak. So thankful for the Holy Spirit who works all things (even our past) together for good. Like one of the ladies commented, Living for Jesus in all that we do…whatever our hands find to do.(children, job) ..do it with the might, joy of the Lord, to stay focused is a challenge with all the distractions of this world. To focus on our life to come with Jesus brings JOY. Live Well, Love Well:) Blessings to you and prayers too. Thank you for this study which promotes the importance of focusing on God’s plan/will/purpose for our life.
Tootsie, thank you so much for your comments! I love your comment “whatever our hands find to do, do it with the joy of the Lord.” What a wonderful way to live! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
I put my heart and soul into my children. Every moment of every day. Now they have moved out of the house and the past 5 years as they have been adults all 3 of them have treated me as unimportant, excluded me from their lives, weddings, grandchildren etc. I did nothing to deserve this. I come up empty handed and defeated. Why bother with children when this is how they treat you after all I sacrificed for them.
Jo, it is with a heavy heart that I read your comment. I couldn’t possible know how or why the circumstances of your life have turned out as they have but I do know Jesus knows and understands your pain. He didn’t do anything to deserve the ridicule and false accusations lodged against Him, He was hanging on the cross and sacrificing His own life for each of us while the Roman soldiers were dividing up His garments (Matt. 27:35). I am praying that you take all of your disappointment, discouragement and defeat and lay it all at the foot of the Cross. Jesus can comfort you in a way that no one else can. Trust Him to meet you at your point of need. Jo, thank you for your comment, for your transparency and for allowing us to support you in prayer. Asking God now for a special touch on your life as you rest in Him.