There’s Some Truth in This Preacher’s Words:

Solomon was given the gift of wisdom by God. And because he asked for wisdom and not riches, God gave him riches too! In fact you could say that if anyone had it all, Solomon had it all.

Unfortunately, the “all” included about 700 wives from other nations that did not worship the Lord God Jehovah. These wives persuaded him as he grew older to worship their pagan gods. By the time he wrote Ecclesiastes Solomon was back-slidden and a bit jaded, and his writings reflected that. But because Solomon was so wise, there was still some truth that spillied out:

⁸ Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. ¹⁹ And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. ²⁰ God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NLT)

In the above passage Solomon is giving reference to someone who is “living the dream”. They had a good job, insinuating also that they knew how to enjoy the good things of life, probably with friends and family to share it. In the midst of what could be a description of the life of the happy-go-lucky, there is truth – for no matter what our work, we should accept our lot in life – thanking God for whatever opportunity we have been given.

The second truth is that if you adjust your attitude to look for the good in this life, you will find that there is “no time to brood over the past” – you will be too busy living the present!

One of the greatest contributors to feeding a state of depression is the inability to let go of past hurts, failures, relationships, etc. You can’t stay inherently depressed if you are thankful for what God is doing in your life. You can’t stay down in the dumps and soar up over the clouds at the same time. The key that unlocks the doors that puts this in motion however, is a key that God holds to your heart. With your permission, He will take that key and shut the doors of past painful experiences and unlock the windows to your new life of ‘joy unspeakable and full of glory“.

Maria