R³ Devotional - Day 170

Getting older brings perspective into life. When Kyle and I first met, married, began having children and were just trying to keep our heads above water- I did not see life like I see it now.  Truth be told, I felt that I was doing all I could do just to pay the bills, raise the kids and keep our marriage healthy.  With age, I have begun to understand the world in a different way because I have (so far) 56 years of perspective. In Ecclesiastes chapters 1-6 “The Preacher”, believed to be Solomon, writes about the perspective he has obtained.  These truths are universal and cross-cultural, financial, religious and gender lines.  Life is fleeting and feels meaningless at times.  The struggles we face, people have always faced.  There is nothing new under the sun.  The things of earth do not and cannot satisfy.  We all have a “God shaped hole” in our spirits that only a relationship with Christ can perfectly fit and fill.


Real:  Life principles- What truths or principles are found in this passage?

Life can feel monotonous at times.  Days run into weeks that run into months that become years, that become decades, and so on.  It passes quickly and without Christ, you can leave this earth without leaving much of a mark. The things we strive for cannot be taken with us after we die and are not worth anything in the currency of Heaven. A life lived alone is destined to be a lonely one.    God designed us to want Him, but we try to avoid Him and seek out temporary satisfaction.  God is in control of all the seasons of life, even when we don’t understand them.  There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.  Sometimes life will seem unfair, but God will judge everything at the right time.

Relevant:  Life Applications- How can this be applied?

Seek the things of God in your daily life.  The world will tell you that you will find satisfaction in chasing wealth, success, toys, and positions of power.  These things may feel satisfying for a season, but they do not truly satisfy.  If a person ate sunflower seeds or  cotton candy  for every meal, they may have been busy (opening the little seeds, trying to keep the cotton candy from dissolving or getting everywhere) but you will have received little or no nutritional value.   Your belly might feel full, but this doesn't last long.  Your natural hunger will return very soon and you will be weakened over time.  We must choose things that have lasting nutritional value for our bodies as well as for our souls.A satisfying existence full of God’s blessings will result.   Beauty fades, money is spent, storms and fires can take away beautiful homes, and even your health is not fully in your hands.  

Ready:  Life Actions- How will you apply this?

Daily, seek God in ways fill your life and heart with His goodness and that will serve His kingdom.  Read your bible. Spend time in prayer.  Invest in others.  Treasure the people around you.  Love your family.  The recipe isn’t that hard:  Love God, Love People.  Enjoy the things God gives you such as family/ friends/ church family, etc… and hold them close.  They are blessings from God.  By valuing these relationships,  feeling a true sense of reverence for God, and finding joy in what is given- we can experience the fullest life possible on this side of heaven.   Be blessed!!

Thank you Ms. Becky! Have a great day!