I am fortunate that I have a job that provides time alone in quietness. Even with the traffic passing by, it’s not so noisy that it becomes a distraction, and I can spend time in prayer, the reading of The Bible, and conversation with My Lord and King about His Word and the principles of living a holy life.
I am far from being “holy” as the Lord is, or as His Apostles were, but as God’s people who are redeemed by the blood of The Lamb, we are to strive to be different from the rest of society. That is what it means to “be holy.” But sadly, it is difficult to tell the difference between Christian and Non-Christian these days. But that is a topic for another time.
This morning I have time to sit in quietness, praying and reading. I love the book of Ecclesiastes. Whenever I get bogged down with the common troubles of life, or I begin to be tempted because of vanity and pride while looking at the so-called successes of others, Ecclesiastes helps to bring me back to reality and the foundation of my reason.
One of my favorite and anchoring passages is Ecclesiastes. 12: 11-14.
(11) The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. (12) And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (13) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (14) For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Lately, I have been reading a lot about self improvement, the process of starting home-based and online business. I’ve also read a novel or two in order to see the variations of style and format to help with my own attempt at writing. It is physically exhausting!
But as I listen to sales pitches and studying other people’s business and work, I find myself getting depressed over my perceived inadequacies. Then, all my life’s failures come into vivid color view, and I begin to think what is the point. I am sure I am not the only one who gets like that.
Still, just reading through the passage above is sobering and comforting. The Lord, while I have my coffee with Him, gently reminds me of who I am and what my real reason is: honoring Him in everything. Solomon was the wisest man in the history of the world, and he penned the book when he was old. (Late 50’s I think)
It helps me to know that he came to such a simple, reasonable conclusion, and I find that I have a kinship to such a man of God. Because of all of Solomon’s self-described shortcomings and inadequacies, that kinship is much more comforting!
It is good to spend time with The Lord in the quietness of the morning, having coffee and real conversation. Try it. You might just find some comfort and clarity of mind and heart.
~Pappy