Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” NIV
Read Ecclesiastes 2. King Solomon, the wisest, richest man who ever lived, recounts all of his life struggles for significance and accomplishment. List each of the endeavors he describes in this chapter. The Hebrew word for word “vanity” used throughout the book of Ecclesiastes means mist or vapor. Life is not wasted, it is fleeting. So what did Solomon conclude? Does your view of God allow you to experience enjoyment? Why or why not? Draw a pie chart to represent your life. What percentage is devoted to work? What portion is dedicated to rest? What portion is committed to holy leisure, to play? Discuss the diagram with your spouse or a close friend. Should your priorities be re-arranged?
Bob Buford, in his book Half Time, (p.26) talks about the moment Elijah experienced the still, small voice of God:
“The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV
The author lists several questions to ask when you hear God speak:
Am I quietly listening for the still, small voice of God, or am I too busy to be quiet?
Is my work the center of my life and identity?
Do I have an eternal perspective as a prism through which I view my life?
What is my truest purpose? My life work? My destiny?
What would my life look like if it really turned out well?
With a spouse or close friend)
Explore and discuss the answers to these questions with your near ones. Spend some time praying for God to give you a glimpse of what a balanced, abundant life would look like for you.
(With your child) Read Psalm 8:1-2.
“O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and nursing infants
to give you praise.” NLT
Take a “wonder walk” with your child. Don’t be in a hurry. Pick flowers, pebbles and leaves and allow him or her to thank God and enjoy His creation. Sit with your child and create a collage or draw a picture of the beautiful things they found. Tonight, let them tell you about the things they discovered on their walk. Give them the opportunity to quietly thank their Heavenly Father in their own words for all that He has made.
(With your teenager) Meditate on the following passage with your teen:
“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 NKJV
What would returning and rest look like? Why would Isaiah say that quietness would bring strength? Try a techno fast for an afternoon. (For a whole day, if you’re brave!) During that period of time, turn off all electronics and spend some time in holy leisure, playing as a family. Take some quiet moments of reflection as well and write down the thoughts that God gives each of you. Share them together.
Going Deeper: Meditation
“Let it be your business to keep your mind in the presence of the Lord…Be accustomed to think of Him often, and you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings.”
Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God, p. 50.
Study Asaph’s words to Jeduthan in Psalm 77:1-12. What was the psalmist’s state of mind as he began his prayer to God. Do you think it must have been difficult for him to quiet his mind and meditate upon the Lord? What was his emotional journey through this passage, and how did he find peace in the final verses? What can you learn from Asaph about quieting your mind in a time of great stress?
In Psalm 119, the psalm of the wonders of God’s Word, the poet describes several facets of God’s truth that should be the focus of our meditation. Read verses 15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 97, 99 and 148. Write down the distinction of each of these synonyms for God’s Word. How will this enrich our love for His Word? Do you observe passion in the words of the psalmist? Where?
David pens Psalm 143 in great distress. The turning point of the psalm occurs in verse five. What are the two things David does? Write down the times God has worked in your life in the past. What are some answered prayers? What are some spiritual victories you have experienced? How have you sensed His manifest presence? Let God take you on a journey through your past during your meditation and remember His faithfulness.