For to the one who pleases him, God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy. – Ecclesiastes 2:26
What is your attitude as you approach each new day? Do you awake grateful for another day of life? Or do you groan at the thought of the things that did not get done yesterday that require your attention? Do you bound out of bed, eager to see what the day has in store? Or do you stumble around until the caffeine from your morning coffee kicks in?
Not everyone can have the attitude of David Brainerd, an 18th-century American minister and missionary to Native Americans in New Jersey. Though he died at a young age of tuberculosis, he made a profound impact on his church and his community. At one point, he is said to have told Jonathan Edwards, of the “Great Awakening” movement, “I do not go to heaven to be advanced but to give honor to God. It is no matter where I shall be stationed in heaven, whether I have a high seat or a low seat there. My heaven is to please God and glorify Him, and give all to Him, and to be wholly devoted to His glory.” Brainerd’s attitude and his life were centered on pleasing God—anywhere, any time.
Would a diary of your days show a similar intent? Follow the admonition of Psalm 19:14 and let your words and thoughts be acceptable to the Lord. Then, as Hebrews 13:16 reminds you, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Draw near to God, for without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). So walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (Colossians 1:10). Pray for followers of Christ serving in government to always seek first to please the Lord, for which they will be rewarded with understanding and wisdom.
Today’s Verse: Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Chronicles 29:10-14
10 Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
