“Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” ~Ecclesiastes 4:6
The restless soul doesn’t know how to say enough is enough. This is our curse. Separation from God leads to constant anxiety and toil. We have but are never satisfied with what we have. The sin of gluttony craves more. We seem to be constantly pursuing the next, or as the writer of Ecclesiastes poetically writes, trying to catch the wind.
Yet, the vacations, house remodels, career advancements, relationships, technology, and notoriety we pine after will leave us empty without the Spirit of the Life-Giver. We often attempt to fill our restlessness with more: “to do more,” “to know more,” “to have more,” “to experience more,” or “connect more.” And there is that devilish little word—More. Enough is never sufficient. We are blessed with resources, but greed wants more. We have achieved success, but ambition craves more. We have a wonderful spouse, but lust needs more. More is always corrupting the good blessings we’ve already been given—like mildew in a loaf of bread.
There is nothing wrong with having needs and desires; chasing after goals and dreams can give our lives focus. But we must also learn to live in the humility of our humanity. I cannot do everything. And what I have is only satisfying when enjoyed in the Spirit of “tranquility” that our Life Giver provides. The author of Ecclesiastes says, “A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil.” (2:24; 5:18; 9:9-10).
Learn to eat and be satisfied. Learn to savor what is already in your mouth. Slow down and enjoy the sunset from your back porch. You don’t need to look at your neighbor’s house on Pinterest and crave the next remodel. You don’t need to be jealous of your friend’s vacation overseas and lament your humble trip to the summer lake house. You don’t need to compare your life to the accomplishments of your classmate who is bursting with scientific achievements. Live satisfied with what God has given you. Satisfaction begins by living satisfied in God, abiding in his love and faithfulness. Abide in him, and your life will produce the savory fruit of tranquility.
Tags: peace, busy, greed, more, contentment, satisfied, jealousy, ambition, gluttony, restless, anxious, chasing, accomplishment, tranquility, life giver
