The Power of His Presence

Daily Devotions

From the Writings of Ray Stedman

How To Enjoy Life

February 12th

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

Enjoyment does not come from possessions or riches; nor does it come from companionship, popularity, and fame; or from the approval and admiration of others. Enjoyment comes by knowing the living God and taking everything from His hand with thanksgiving, whether it is pain or pleasure. That is the gift of God, and that is the lesson of this great book

Notice how the chapter closes: "He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart (Ecclesiastes 5:20). Have you ever met people like that? They have lived a full life, but they never talk about the past. Some people live in the past.

William Randolph Hearst, who amassed one of the great fortunes of our time, ended his days amidst all the opulence and splendor of the castle that he built in southern California, sitting in a basement, playing over and over again the movies of his paramour from Hollywood in an effort to eke out a degree of enjoyment from the past.

When people discover the richness of life that God has provided, they do not think of the past or even talk about it. They do not talk about the future, either, because they are so richly involved with the savor of life right now.

How good it is to know the living God, to know that He controls what comes into your life. He expects you to make choices; Scripture always encourages that. But rejoice in the wisdom of a Father's heart and richly enjoy what is handed you day-by-day; that is the secret of life. Such a one "seldom reflects on the days of his life" because God will keep him occupied "with gladness of heart."

Yes, Lord. It is so good to know You and be given the freedom to enjoy all that You provide for me day by day.

This daily devotion was inspired by one of Ray's sermons. Please read "Why Does God Allow This?" (or listen to the audio file  ) for more on this portion of scripture.