CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 932

“Chasing the Wind”

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:11)

At the start of each New Year people look back and survey their past. They make resolutions to correct deficiencies in their life most, if not all of which will be broken and forgotten in a few weeks.

Solomon’s reflection was done in summation of a test that he put himself to. I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1) Whatever his eyes desired he got. Whatever he deemed to be pleasurable, he indulged in. Wine, women, and material possessions – he delved into it all. Then when he looked back at it he declared it all to be meaningless like chasing after the wind.

Do you, like Solomon, survey your work and accomplishments and wonder if it was worth the hassle? Do you sometimes wonder what the point or purpose is to your life? Do you feel your life is going nowhere fast – like a hamster in a wheel?

The difference between a hamster wheel and a surface with traction, purpose, and forward motion is the motive of our heart. If our motive is selfish pleasure we are chasing the wind as Solomon discovered. If our motive is to know God, to grow in a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him, and to bring Him glory by all that we are and do then we have traction, meaning, and purpose. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

When our heart motive is to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness and to serve the Lord at whatever we do we gain meaning and purpose to our work lives without the added burden of striving to meet our personal needs since we trust ‘that these things will be given us well’ (Matthew 6:33). This revised motive relinquishes control and shifts focus from us to God.

May God free you from the worry of the daily cares of this world and that He will show you the ministry opportunities He has called you to in every facet of your life.

May this new year be filled with meaning and purpose as the Lord blesses and prospers your life to His glory and the glory of the Father.

May you grow in your personal relationship with Christ throughout this new year gaining an abundant harvest of the fruit of His Spirit to nourish you and all you encounter through the divine appointments He has already orchestrated and planned for you.