Loving God With ALL Our Heart---Day 242 Through the Bible

                          Our relationships with others give us clues as to what a relationship with God is like!

Solomon continues in Ecclesiastes 11, with recording his observations regarding the laws of nature and the laws of human behavior.  "If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth" (v. 3).  "Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; but if a man lives many years and rejoices in them all, yet let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many.  All that is coming is vanity" (v. 8). 

There is definitely wisdom in Solomon's comments in verse 4, about finding excuses for not doing something. "He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap".  He goes on to say that not only do we not know what the weather is going to do, but there are many things we don't know about.  We are certainly not in a position to "know the works of God who makes everything" (v.5).  In light of this understanding Solomon says, "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper" (v. 6).  If we procrastinate and find excuses to wait, we may miss out on opportunities. On a personal note, I have found that it is best not to allow the weather to interfere with your plans. Go as far with your plans as possible in spite of seemingly potential interference from outside sources.

I remember going over Ecclesiastes 12, in school and hearing my teacher explain the analogies in this chapter regarding old age. A time when those who were once strong "bow down". A time when "the grinders cease because they are few" (referring to our teeth). "And those who look through the windows grow dim" (our eyesight dims). "When the almond tree blossoms (our hair turns white). "And desire fails" (we no longer have the robust appetites we once had). "Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain"--our lives are fragile and Solomon says "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it" (v. 7).

There is a difference in "fearing God and keeping His commandments" (v.13), and in having a close relationship with Him.  A child can fear and be in awe of a parent and obey him or her and yet never experience their love.  It is tremendously important that we recognize the difference in fear and obedience versus a relationship. We can teach our children "proverbs" as Solomon was doing (v. 9-12), however, unless we win the hearts of our children we can very well lose them forever.  God is aware of this and admonishes us throughout the Bible to love Him with our whole heart--not just our minds, but love expressed through our emotions as well as through our deeds. God wants all our affections set on Him.  Otherwise our deeds and "works" are for nothing.  When a lawyer who was also one of the Pharisees (the religious leaders in Jesus' day and known for their hypocrisy) asked Jesus "which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:35-38). 

(Psalm 103:15-22) David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) and the Psalms he wrote reveal this.  He poured out his heart and emotions to God whether in love and praise or in distress and dismay. In contrast, Solomon seems to have had a legalistic relationship with God and viewing God from a distance. We might follow David's example in speaking to his soul and ask ourselves, "O my soul, do I really know and love God?"  David ends this Psalm with another conversation with his soul, "Bless the Lord, O my soul!"

In Proverbs 24:13-14, Solomon declares to his son that the knowledge of wisdom will be as sweet as honey to his soul.  He says, "If you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off".  Did Solomon set up his God-given wisdom in the place of God?  Our hope and our worship must go past the blessings God gives us whether it is wisdom, creation, relationships, etc. Nothing should come between us and our relationship with God.  He alone is worthy of worship and our hope lies in Him alone, not in what He gives us! (The understanding we have gained in the Book of Ecclesiastes, shines a great deal of light on these verses also written by Solomon in the Book of Proverbs.)

(I Corinthians 11:1-16) Paul admonishes the Corinthian congregation to "judge among yourselves" (v. 13).  He began this passage by telling them to imitate or follow him as he follows Christ. He asked them to consider certain issues in light of God's creation of man and woman and even the laws of nature. Yet he set the record straight on these issues by saying in honesty that, "But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God" (v. 16).  Our focus must bypass contentious issues.  As followers of Christ, the bottom line is the extent of our love for God and for others.  Everything else "hangs" on these two "commandments" (Matthew 22:40) and brings all other issues into a proper perspective!

Riches and the Kingdom of God - Day 241 Through the Bible

In the Cabin Garden - near Mt. Celo Church

My Lessons and Applications from Today's Readings

Earthly Truth Without Heavenly Hope - Ecclesiastes 8, 9, 10 - (What It Says - Summarized) - Earthly Truth: 1) "I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked."  2) "Who knows the interpretation of a thing?  A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the sternness of his face is changed." 3) "Then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun.  For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it." 4)  "This is an evil under the son: that one thing happens to all." 5) "Eat, drink, be merry, because God has already accepted your works."6) "Dead flies putrefy...give off a bad odor in a perfumer's ointment; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor." 7) "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up." 7) "The labor of fools wearies them." 8) "A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything."

My Lessons and Applications - This is the difference in perspective between professed and possessed faith, between horizontal (earthly-focused) living versus vertical living (God-focused living.)  Solomon claims to "surely know that things will be well with those who fear God", yet his life has not given testimony to this.  The major thing God had commanded of King Solomon was to not marry outside the faith.  (1 Kings 11:4 says Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines.)  The nation split into two countries after Solomon's reign, largely because of his idolatry caused by foreign, unbelieving wives.  Solomon had the greatest earthly wisdom of any man, yet he understood nothing of eternal life or of the  mysteries of God and His ways.  The king still focuses on the works of man - not a relationship with God - with money being the answer to everything, with trying to find elusive self-satisfaction rather than glorifying God.  Little wonder his soul was never satisfied, that he sees all of life as vanity, as a grasping after wind.  Is my perspective vertical or horizontal?  When the truth of much of Solomon's "earthly" wisdom starts weighing on me, do I go to the Bible, into prayer for God's wisdom?  Am I immersing myself in the world's ways (media, earthly examples of success regardless of means used to garner them), or am I learning and living in obedience to God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit?  Do I live (possess) the truth of what Solomon professed, "I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God."  Am I able, through the indwelling Spirit and God's Word, to believe the eternal truth of this even if I cannot see the earthly fulfillment of it?

Faith Lived Out to the Glory of God - 1 Corinthians 10:10-23 (What It Says - Summarized) Paul is warning the church at Corinth that faith must be actualized in the daily life.  We must not profess one thing and live another:  1) "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons." 2) "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.  All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.  Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being." 3) "Whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God."

My Lessons and Applications - Whom do I serve?  God? Self? Others?  Which wisdom motivates and informs my lifestyle - the wisdom of God or of the world?  Solomon's focus was on self, money, works and the disillusionment - even with great earthly success - that brings.  Paul's focus was on God's glory and serving others - "not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that many might be saved."  From an "under the sun" perspective Solomon was the world's greatest success story, but he viewed it all as vanity, and as "grasping for wind" - worthless.  His legacy was the Chosen Nation of God divided, the Chosen People of God being led into apostasy and captivity, and the wisest mind ultimately unable to answer life's greatest questions.  The apostle Paul's life would have been seen by many as a complete failure "under the sun."  By tradition he was martyred, he had no financial wealth, and he was considered apostate by the Jewish faith into which he was born and became a great scholar.  His life was not of Solomon's wealth but of Christ's Cross.  The legacy he left was one of unswerving loyalty to Jesus Christ, to the glory of God, to bringing many to faith through his prolific writings and teachings. Paul's life was Christ's and was used and is still being used to transform the lives of believers through the gospel.  Is my life laid at the foot of the Cross - to be used by Him for His glory?  Our world gives testament daily to the lives ruined by excess and great wealth, yet the majority of us still make the accumulation of wealth our life's goal and grant adulation and political and corporate power to the wealthy.  Why?

James 2:6 

"But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?"  

Mark 10: 23-29 (also found in Matthew)

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

Dealing With Anger In Light of God's Goodness--Day 240 Through The Bible

                        People are not unlike hummingbirds that continually engage in battle over their territory. 

Ecclesiastes 7:9, "Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools".  Dr. Stanley writes about the subject of anger in his Life's Lessons section of today's study.  In Ephesians 4:26, we are instructed to "Be angry, and sin not".  Anger and sin are separated in this passage, however there is a line we cross where anger changes into sin.  Dr. Stanley lists 4 red flags that tell us when we have crossed over into sin.  While it is obvious that verbal abuse and physical violence clearly cross the line, other sins related to anger may not be as recognizable. These include strife, bitterness, isolation, and retaliation.  Conflict can lead to contempt which can take root in our hearts in the form of bitterness. "Nursing our anger leads to people being separated from each other" (Dr. Stanley).  This can occur when we fail to address issues and resolve differences quickly.  The last part of Ephesians 4: 26, advocates dealing with anger the same day and not allowing it to be carried over into the next day--"let not the sun go down upon your wrath".  We are to leave repayment for evil up to God rather than having our hearts filled with vengeance. The longer we wait to address anger the more difficult it will be to root it out. God's wisdom is perfect and He will help us deal with our stuff if we will ask.

Psalm 103:1, "all that is within me, bless His holy name". We cannot set aside areas of our heart that are off limits to God.  If there's something we should become obsessed with, let it be praising God! David counts his blessings in this Psalm and tells his soul not to forget all God's benefits.  He proceeds to list them:
"Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things.
The results--So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's".

Foolishness is a recurring word in the book of Proverbs. It can mean "brainlessness" and "stupidity".  We will do stupid things when we act without thinking and unless we have a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom to draw upon. When we are in a relationship with God we have the option of asking God for wisdom and He not only promises He will give it to us, but He has a reputation of generosity--of giving liberally.  And, He doesn't scold us or reprove us (upbraid us) because we need His wisdom (James 1:5).  It's a wonderful experience to listen to someone speak who has godly wisdom. It is rare and grabs attention. In contrast, verse 7, says those devoid of wisdom do not open their mouths in the gate--the gate of the city was the place where business was carried out. Verse 9 says that "the devising of foolishness (dumb ideas) is sin".  Scoffers are those who mock, ridicule, and belittle others. Verse 9, says such people "are an abomination to men".

The Old Testament is often devalued and not considered as applicable as the New Testament for modern day Christians.  In I Corinthians 10, Paul reminds us of (or perhaps reveals) the fact that the God of Israel who took care of them in the wilderness was none other than Christ--the spiritual Rock.  We miss a great deal when we blindly accept what we hear about the Bible as truth without reading it for ourselves. Paul continues expounding upon the importance of Israel's history for us, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come"!  Examples help us get the point and God wants us to learn from their mistakes and sins so that we can avoid experiencing the related consequences and penalties.

Paul writes in verse 14 of I Corinthians 10, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry"!  Just as we are to deal with anger quickly, we are also admonished to "run" from idolatry (and other sins). Joseph left us with the perfect example of getting away from sin in Genesis 39, when he fled from Pharoah's wife and her attempt to seduce him. Our communion is with Christ and not sin and idolatry.  Our relationship with Christ is truly "the cup of blessing" and all who are part of the body of Christ partake of the same "bread".  Even so, we should be found putting away anger and being careful not to allow it to take root, especially in the Church, the body of Christ.

Life Under the Sun - Day 239 Through the Bible

Celebrating an upcoming birth - a new life - at one of the non-profits in Burnsville, NC, near Mt. Celo Church yesterday.  How humbling it was to see the loving generosity of those with very little material wealth celebrate the joy and blessing of a last birth and a first daughter for a member of their community!

My Lessons and Applications from Today's Readings

"Horizontal Living" (Focus on Earth) - Ecclesiastes 4, 5 and 6 (What It Says - Summarized) King Solomon's book gives us wisdom from the horizontally-fixed wisdom of living.  He moves from viewing life "under the sun" from a mere "me, myself, I, mine" perspective that resulted in depression, vanity and a grasping of the wind to a view of life for man in general "under the sun." Life observations of King Solomon: 1) There is great oppression of men on earth and no comforter for them - but power on the side of the oppressors.  It is better to be dead; better yet to never have been born and have seen this evil work; 2) There is envy of the man who is skillful in his work and toil.  It is better to have "a handful with quietness than both hands full together with toil and grasping for the wind." 3) The solitary life with no end to toil and no satisfaction with riches is vanity and a grave misfortune.  It is better to have a companion to lift up, comfort, and protect each other. 4) It is better to be a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king.  Solomon's Life Lessons: 1) Fear God- "walk prudently when you go to the house of God - draw near to hear - not to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil." Do not let your words cause you to sin. 2) "Do not marvel at the oppression of the poor and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness." 3) "The profit of the land is for all, even the king is served from the field." 4)"He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver." 5) The sleep of a laboring man is sweet." 6) "A severe evil I have seen...riches kept for the owner to his hurt...that perish from great misfortune...and he has much sorrow, sickness and anger" 7) "It is good to eat, drink, and enjoy the good of one's labor and toil...for he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life... because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart." 7) "All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied. For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow?  Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?"

"Vertical Living" (Focus on God) - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 (What It Says - Summarized) - The Apostle Paul discusses labor and toil and earned reward.  He reminds the church at Corinth, 1) "The Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel."  But Paul...determines not to take remuneration from the church...that he cannot but preach the gospel...and that is his reward..."that when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel." 2) "Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more...now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be a partaker of it with you." 3) Paul's Life Lesson:  "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run the race in such a way that you my obtain it. Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we, for an imperishable crown.  Therefore, I run thus:  not with uncertainty.  Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

My Lessons and Applications - It is revelatory to watch the progression of Solomon's thinking.  He has moved away from the total preoccupation of self in the beginning of the book to a contemplation now of the warp and woof of life for all men.  He speaks truth, but without a Biblical eternal perspective.  He is still primarily focused on the riches and wealth and the attainment of them and at last progresses to the statement that believers have all discovered: "All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied."  And from the wisest man ever to live, this final statement at this point in his contemplation of life "under the sun": "For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow?  Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?"  The wise king realizes he has only questions - no answers at this point in his contemplation. Paul, on the other hand, has found his calling, his soul's satisfaction.  It is not in monetary reward or accumulation.  It is in preaching the gospel, in being a servant to all in order to bring more to Christ.  It is a life lived to the glory of God with the reward of eternal life in His presence.  Solomon speaks of life as "vanity - a grasping of wind."  Nothing satisfies the deep needs of his soul.  Paul knows his crown is imperishable.  His fight is not a grasping of the wind - "not as one who beats the air."  His body - his mind, his perspective - is in subjection to the Word of God, to obedience of God, to walk the talk he preaches to others.  When life becomes overwhelming, when all the hard toil and labor seem to have turned to ashes or bring no satisfaction to my soul and spirit, do I remember to refocus my mind on God's Word, to walk in obedience to Him and with Him, that the consolation and satisfaction of my soul are not found "under the sun"? Solomon feared God at this point in his life journal, but there is no personal relationship there, no comfort, no meaning to life, no assurance of a life now and eternally with God.  Do you have this?  Do I?  Am I living a horizontal or vertical life?  This will determine my perspective "under the sun."  This will determine whether or not "all is well with my soul."

One of the most impacting studies of Scripture I have heard was an expository preaching and study of the book of Ecclesiastes I sat under by a successful Oklahoman oilman and Dallas Theological Seminary graduate.  He is also a popular men's Bible study teacher in Oklahoma.  I hope you will take time to listen to each of his messages on this book.  I think it will be a great blessing to you: 

 Mike Black:  Ecclesiastes

Waiting for God---Day 238 Through The Bible

                                    A little mushroom requires the right conditions for it to spring up.
                                Even so, patience is required in waiting for God to make everything beautiful in its time.
                                    


We begin in Ecclesiastes today with the familiar passage, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (chapter 3:1).  Songs have been written from these verses and this passage is often read at funerals. Dr. Stanley encourages us not to run ahead of God's timing.  He says, "In His wisdom and sovereignty, God sets an appropriate time for everything".  He mentions that "Christ was born at the right time". We might add that Christ will also return at God's appointed time. When we are young, we wish we were older; when we are older, we sometimes long for our younger days.  Being content with our immediate situation is a valuable lesson for us as this is the point where we either take matters into our own hands or wait for God.

"What profit has the worker from that in which he labors?" Solomon says he has seen the "God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied" and points out in verse 13, that enjoying the fruit of our labor is a gift from God. Without a proper education and a strong work ethic, this gift may remain unopened resulting in "boredom" and a life lacking in satisfaction. In too many situations, people trade the opportunity for a productive life for trivial pursuits that lack specific goals and thus never experience the satisfaction that accomplishment brings.

Verse 11: "He has made everything beautiful in its time".  Many things do not start out as "beautiful", but take time as well as patience to progress to beauty.  Isaiah 61:3, adds to our understanding of this concept. Here, God promises a time when He will "give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness".  This encourages us to be patient and to trust God to bring about a beautiful outcome whether in this life or in eternity.  In verse 11, (speaking of eternity), Solomon writes, "He has put eternity in their hearts". There is an emptiness in everyone that can only be filled by God. Few recognize this need for what it is and thus we see an unending pursuit of pleasure, relationships, and the acquiring of "stuff". Some do recognize is as a spiritual need and attempt to find a religion or religious practices that will fill this void. However, there is no substitute for a relationship with God.  (We were created to have a relationship with Him, but until we recognize we are separated from God by our sins, repent of our sins, and accept Christ's sacrifice as payment for them, we cannot enter into this relationship.)

It is interesting that our scriptures in Psalm continues the same theme we saw in Ecclesiastes of a "time for every purpose". It speaks of a time of mercy for Zion: "a time to favor (Zion), yes, the set time has come". We need to wait and hope in God's time for whatever we need.  Remember the idolatry of Aaron and the Israelites and the tragedy of King Saul? Moses was on the mountain with God and his return to camp was delayed (Exodus 32).  The people became impatient and convinced Aaron to fashion a golden calf for them to worship. Without Moses' appeal to God, Israel in its entirety may have been destroyed by God. Saul failed to wait for the prophet Samuel to come and offer the sacrifice to God.  In his impatience, Saul also took matters into his own hands and offered the sacrifice himself. God was not pleased with Saul's impatience and presumptuousness and He removed Saul as King of Israel. There is a tremendous lesson for us in these examples that teach the importance of waiting for God instead of doing what we think is right.

Proverbs 24:3-4: "Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."  We previously read about the riches of Solomon that resulted from his request to God for wisdom. There is no reason for us to be "stupid" in any situation. God instructs us that if we lack wisdom, to ask Him for it and He will give it (James 1:5). The key is taking time to recognize that we are less than wise and that we need God's help, then ask Him for it.  These two verses paint a beautiful picture of the results we can enjoy when we depend on God.

What we know is not as important to God as our consideration for others. Paul stresses this in I Corinthians 8:1-13, and cautions us about allowing our "liberty" to be a "stumbling block" to those who are weak. He begins this passage by making clear the difference in knowledge and love. "Knowledge puffs up"--and, "if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know".  Paul contrasts knowledge with love.  He says, "we know that we all have knowledge".  We all know stuff, however, Paul reminds us that being known by God because we love Him is much more important than feeling proud about what we know (being puffed up). And if we love God, we will also love one another and therefore show consideration for others rather than flaunting a freedom in Christ that may cause our brother or sister to feel the need to do something contrary to their conscience. (How embarrassing for us to be bragging about "our understanding" of something when God has perfect understanding about everything!) Dr. Stanley brings this passage into perspective by saying that "Knowledge plus love equals a powerful team!"  Once again, I see that it is appropriate and that there are many times when I need to "cover my mouth with my hand", seek God's wisdom and wait for Him!

The Life Focused on Self - Day 237 Through the Bible

Migration of the Monarch through Celo this week to its wintering place in Michoacán, México.

My Lessons and Applications from Today's Readings

(Ellipses are Mine and are used for contemplation.)

The Life Focused on Self - Ecclesiastes 1 and 2  (What It Says - Summarized) - The words "I, me, myself, my, mine" dominate these first 2 chapters - "I set my heart to seek and search out wisdom...I attained...I communed with my heart...I have seen all...I said in my heart...how to gratify my flesh...while guiding my heart with wisdom...I made my works great...I  built myself houses...planted myself vineyards...made myself gardent...made myself water pools...I acquired...I had greater possessions...I gathered myself silver and gold...I became great and excelled more than all...my wisdom remained...whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them...I did not withhold my heart from pleasure...I turned myself to consider...I myself perceived...Therefore I hated life...Then I hated all my labors in which I had toiled...because I must leave it to the man who will come after me...yet he will rule over all my labor...in which I have toiled...in which I have shown myself wise...therefore I turned my heart and despaired...Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor.  This also, I saw was from the hand of God.  For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment more that I?  For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting that he may give to him who is good before God.  This also is vanity and grasping the wind."

My Lessons and Applications - This is the result of the narcissistic and solipsistic soul whose focus is on self, on what he only has done - himself - without the aid of others or God. When he gets around to finally acknowledging God's Hand in wisdom and knowledge, he calls it vanity...grasping the wind.  He discounts and devalues building for the next generation and calls it "vanity and a great evil" that his work must go to the one who follows him.  This will be his son.  Recall how David gathered great and wonderful supplies and planned in detail for the temple that God had said only this son, Solomon, could build.  David, "a man after God's own heart", did not view this legacy as evil or vane.  Solomon admits to his great retinue of servants and slaves, but does not acknowledge that they did the work.  He credits all the work and labor to himself. The result is he hates life, sees the work as "distressing, sorrowful, burdensome, vane, of no profit, dissatisfying, nothing new, grievous - a grasping after wind."  This is a man who has forgotten God, who no longer walks with God, who has made himself a god.  When I get weighed down by the seeming meaninglessness of life, of how the evil, godless person seems to prosper, do I remember to refocus - to turn my eyes back to Jesus, back on God's Word, on His Plan?  Do I remember that this is not all about me, about my happiness, but about God and life with Him, in obedience to Him - now and through eternity?

A Prayer for When You are Overwhelmed and Afflicted - Psalm 102

Life Focused on God and His Calling- 1 Corinthians 7:20-40 (What It Says - Summarized) - The early church at Corinth is under distress - persecution.  Paul warns these believers that those who choose to marry "will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you...I want you to be without care...he who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord - how he may please the Lord...but he who is married cares about the things of the world - how he may please his wife."  Slaves are encouraged to remember that while slaves to man, they are "the Lord's freedman", and those who are free when called are "Christ's slave."  Whether married, single, slave, or free Paul says, "Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called."  The apostle speaks to the remarriage of a woman - "she is bound to her husband until he dies but at liberty to be remarried to whom she wishes...only in the Lord...but she is happier if she remains as she is", according to Paul's apostolic authority, and he adds, "I think I also have the Spirit of God."

Lessons and Applications - Paul is warning the believers in the church at Corinth to maintain their focus on God regardless of their station in life.  Do I remember this - that whether in plenty or lack, whether married or single, whether in persecution or peace - I am to maintain my calling, my faith, my walk with God, my service to Him?

Our comfort and happiness depend on what we are to Christ, not what we are in the world. The goodness of our outward condition does not discharge us from the duties of Christianity, nor the badness of it debar us from Christian privileges...No man should make his faith or religion an argument to break through any natural or civil obligations. He should quietly and comfortably abide in the condition in which he is; and this he may well do, when he may abide therein with God. The special presence and favour of God are not limited to any outward condition or performance.

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible