Sometimes, we cannot help but compare ourselves to being a hamster on a hamster wheel. Whether we see it as a day-in-day-out routinary duty of serving our families, or being in pursuit of things or situations we cannot seem to get hold of, there are times we seem to be chasing something that is so elusive.
And If there is anything in this world that comes to mind when we hear the word “elusive” then most likely it will be “contentment.” The wealthiest man in biblical times, King Solomon— for all his possessions and grandeur– wrote much about emptiness in toiling. His written work underscored that human beings chase satisfaction from all the wrong places.
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
King Solomon’s reflection can still hold true even in our present time. People endlessly chase after things that only give momentary peace, temporary comfort, and short-lived satisfaction. What we do not realize is that “having enough” is not a state we will get into, it is a decision. A decision we are only likely to make when we know what really matters in life.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:19-21.
So instead of chasing after the ephemeral, we must instead set our sights on what is eternal. We should invest in eternity, by putting our faith in Jesus and abiding in Him.
When we surrender our life to the Lord, and decide to live according to His word and teachings, we will discover what truly matters most. A relationship with our Savior, the guiding presence He gives us — which in turn helps us endure inevitable challenges with grace and peace.
This relationship with Jesus will also open our eyes to the truth that we do not need much to enjoy the company of our loved ones. It will also make us realize that we do not need to impress others just to feel good about ourselves. In the end, we will know that what is important is that we wake up each morning at peace with God, at peace with ourselves, and at peace with our situation.
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:16-17
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 and 1 John 2:15-17 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you still running around endlessly, chasing after things that will give you peace?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the grace of contentment in our hearts. We praise you for being so gracious to allow us to experience this when we decide to follow you. Give us the confidence and strength to continue treading the path you have forged for us. Amen.