"There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God's sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind." (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 NAS95S)
Observation: It is only through the Almighty that our labor, our love, and our living has meaning (Eccl 2:24-26). However, in the midst of this meaning, there is also mystery:
"He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS95S)
Life is the tension of meaning and mystery, the known and the unknown. It is for this reason that Solomon urges us to eat, drink, and be merry; to labor with love and appreciation. Yet, even this is impossible without the fear of the Lord. It is love and respect for our maker that gives life meaning. It is love and respect for our maker that allows us to be content with mystery and unanswered questions.
The wise man instructs us:
"Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 NAS95S).
Meaning is found in silence: "Be Still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Silence is also the answer for mystery. For silence no longer asks questions... It simply listens... It simply accepts that it does not know. It understands that to be known is more important than to know. When we are silent, we begin to realize that we are known, and through this knowledge we are coming know him:
"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12 NAS95S)
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." (Psalms 139:23-24 NAS95S)
""This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3 NAS95S)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, still my soul. Let me know, even as I am fully known! (1 Cor, 13:12, Gal. 4:9).
