I decided to enjoy myself and find out what happiness is. But I found that this is useless, too. I discovered that laughter is foolish, that pleasure does you no good. Driven on by my desire for wisdom, I decided to cheer myself up with wine and have a good time. I thought that this might be the best way people can spend their short lives on earth.

I accomplished great things. I built myself houses and planted vineyards. I planted gardens and orchards, with all kinds of fruit trees in them; I dug ponds to irrigate them. I bought many slaves, and there were slaves born in my household. I owned more livestock than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem. I also piled up silver and gold from the royal treasuries of the lands I ruled. Men and women sang to entertain me, and I had all the women a man could want.

Yes, I was great, greater than anyone else who had ever lived in Jerusalem, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I got. I did not deny myself any pleasure. I was proud of everything I had worked for, and all this was my reward. Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn’t mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind – of no use at all.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

We should enjoy the pleasures of the world. But we should also remember where they came from. Whether it is watching a sunrise or sunset over the Grand Canyon, or watching a storm develop in the Caribbean, or having a family cookout, never forget where it all came from. A great meal with good fellowship with friends and family hits the spot. Good music refreshes our souls, and work can be fulfilling, but only if you give thanks to where it all came from. You did not make all that happen. God did. Enjoy and give thanks.

Only by living for Jesus Christ do we experience true satisfaction.

Our Daily Bread – March 14, 2003