NOTHING IS BETTER
- Key Verse
"So, I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
No matter our circumstances, we are called to enjoy life for all of our days.
Reflections
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, the King of Israel, writes his words of wisdom. In today's passage, Solomon says many things in life are meaningless, unfair, or unjust. Yet he commends the enjoyment of life. He tells us that we cannot comprehend everything that goes on in the world, but if we find enjoyment, the joy will stay with us, and "nothing is better" (v. 15).
Personally, I like to celebrate each day -- keeping the joy in ALL the days of the life God has given me under the sun. Today, I celebrate nine years, two months, and eleven days as a breast cancer survivor! This joy accompanies me in all I do. Once a cancer survivor, always a cancer survivor. I can never separate myself from that privilege.
Even better, though, is that I am a child of God. Once a child of God, always a child of God! Nothing can separate me from that (Romans 8:38-39). The love given to me through Christ can never be taken away. It does not matter what crazy things go on under the sun (like cancer) -- meaningless, unfair, and unjust things cannot take God's love away from me.
It seemed meaningless, unfair, and unjust to many that as a young mother of four young children I was diagnosed with cancer. But I was -- am! -- a child of God! I had things to eat, drink, and be glad about because God had given me each day under the sun, even the cancer days. My relationship with Christ was strengthened and the joy became even more extravagant. Eating and drinking and being merry doesn't always go hand-in-hand with chemo, surgery, and radiation. But chips of ice sure can bring a lot of joy to a cancer patient! Hey! That was eating AND drinking at the same time! You have to find the enjoyment wherever you can.
We cannot comprehend all that goes on under the sun. But we're not expected to. Remember: enjoy life and joy will be with you each and every day you are given. Nothing is better!
Discussion Questions
1. How would your relationship with Christ change if you thought you weren't going to live past the end of the month?
2. If this were your last month of life, what kinds of things would you do for enjoyment? What is stopping you from doing those things now?3. Can you find one thing to enjoy today so that you may have more joy in your days ahead?
Chip Smith
September 2, 2010 06:48 AM
Powerful log this morning Laura. The sharing of your personal revelation as you dealt with a game changer in your life is total inspiration. We spend so much of our lives making mountains out of mo-hills. Cancer, however, is a mountain. By faith, you threw your mountain into the sea (Matthew 21:21). Some years back, Tim Hawks presented a series called, "The Vandalism of Shalom." It was a picture of life the way God intended it to be. Shalom is the gift of the peace and goodness of God that was in the Garden and is still all around us today. Nothing can connect us with this "Peace and Goodness" like enjoying a good meal and drink with our family and friends. To stop our busy lives and enjoy life itself. Sometimes, it takes facing a mountain in order for us to muster the faith needed to not allow mountains and even mo-hills to overshadow all the "Good" God is creating around us. I thank the LORD you are a cancer survivor and would covet your faith and prayers for a loved one who is in the midst of dealing with that very same mountain today. Shalom.
randy
September 2, 2010 06:51 AM
good devo this morning... reminded me of a song (Sing for Joy) by Wayne Watson... "sing for joy, the joy of the Lord, in the middle of it all," whether in the middle of a cancer battle, or other any other situation... so this devo and that song reminds me today to just keep singing for joy in the middle of my circumstances no matter what they are!
Mark Sutton
September 2, 2010 07:03 AM
Laura, Thanks for the devotion this morning. We live in a fallen world. My relationship with Christ is being strengthened by dwelling in Him. My peace comes from knowing He is in control. My joy is in praising the God 'I AM' of the universe that is interested in the tiny details of my life.
Morgan James
September 2, 2010 07:14 AM
Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful devotional. It will help me through the day.
Heather Fetter
September 2, 2010 07:43 AM
What an uplifting devotion you've written. I was not in that space, but your reflections on these verses are pulling me up to the place of joy. Thank you for sharing your personal story, most especially your response to your struggle. Our God is an awesome God! I praise him for your life.
Darryl Worsham
September 2, 2010 07:50 AM
Laura, really appreciate your testimony and your attitude in sharing it. It is encouraging and challenging at the same time. Thank you. Blessings, DW
Shirley Yeo
September 2, 2010 09:08 AM
HI Laura! We sure miss seeing you and Mark at HCBC - NW. Thanks for the great ministry you allow God to use you both in Growing Kids God's Way - you both do an awesome job in living it out practically and sharing it too! Excellent devotional and thought provoking questions. Congrats as God has allowed you to "celebrate nine years, two months, and eleven days as a breast cancer survivor!" HE certainly has a plan and purpose for YOUR life. LOVE the contentment story in the ice chips! :) Have a Terrific Thursday! :)
Diana
September 2, 2010 09:32 AM
Your devotion was particularly significant to me. I am currently undergoing radiation treatment and have not quite wrapped my mind around my cancer diagnosis and the side effects of the treatment as being something I can be joyful about. I do KNOW however that there is a purpose and a meaning in whatever my circumstances that will grow my character and faith. I have learned how loved I am by my family and friends. I have been weak but He has shown me His strength. This is a temporary season. I do not have to do chemotherapy for which I am immensely grateful. What a point of light your reflections have been.
Jim Rakes
September 2, 2010 10:08 AM
Laura, thanks for your devotional,your thoughtful questions, and your testimony! Grace and Peace. Jim Rakes
Tom Jeannett
September 2, 2010 06:11 PM
Thank you so much for your powerful devotional and example, Laura. It has been blessing me each time I have thought of it throughout the day today. Talk about giving thanks in all things!You have humbled, challenged and encouraged me all in one fell swoop. Thanks again.
Rob R
September 2, 2010 08:27 PM
Laura, I sincerely appreciate your words today. When we "pause" in life and truly are able to reflect what our Lord offers us daily, our soul is filled with happiness. God Bless and way to fight back....