Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 2:11, 22; 5:18-20
Mon, 4 July 2022

Finding Meaning in Our Work

Observation:

What is one key difference that you notice between Ecclesiastes 2:11, 22 and 5:18-20?

Deeper Reflection
ASK CHRISTIANS WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT COMES to mind about the book of Ecclesiastes, and the meaninglessness of work often pops up. Although this ancient book of wisdom was written between 2,200 to 2,800 years ago,11 this theme still resonates with many of us today. A 2018 Channel NewsAsia article reported that Singapore had the lowest employee engagement rate compared to other major Asian markets and that up to 75% of workers in Singapore indicated they were “not engaged” at work.12Yet, Ecclesiastes actually tells us that it is not work that is meaningless, but work apart from God that is meaningless. It is worth noting that in verses 11 and 22 (which lament the meaninglessness of work), there is no mention of God. But when we come to Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, God is mentioned three times! It is God who allows us to “find enjoyment in all the toil” (Ecc 5:18). It is God who gives us the ability to “rejoice in [our] toil − this is the gift of God” (Ecc 5:19). It is God who “keeps [us] occupied with joy in [our] heart” (Ecc 5:20).Therein lies the pivotal difference! When we look at work from a human-centric perspective, work will always seem meaningless − no matter how passionate we may feel about our work − especially at times when we get tired, discouraged or bored with what we do. For if we attempt to find meaning in our work itself, it will ultimately elude us. What we need is to find meaning in the One who gives us the ability to enjoy our work!
11 https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/who-wrote-ecclesiastes-and-what-does-it-mean 12 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/pointless-useless-jobs-disengaged-employees-lacking-motivation-810996 (accessed 2 Apr 2022). “Employees could perceive their jobs are pointless and stop seeing the value of their work, and this could in turn lead them to stop participating actively in their roles.”
Application:

How do I find meaning in my work, especially at times when it is routine, mundane or tedious?

Prayer:
Father God, as we enter into this week of learning about Your plans and purposes for our work, may Your Word and Spirit be our guides. We pray that You will tutor our hearts and minds to understand that You desire to work in us and through us, so that all that we do in our work will glorify You. Make us faithful  disciples in the arena of our workplaces. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 7:13-18, 25-27; 11:29-36
Sat, 2 December 2023

The Triumph

Observation:

What characterises the triumph of God’s people in tribulations under tyrants?

Deeper Reflection
God’s people living under tyrants and suffering tribulations under them can triumph – whether we are delivered from or destroyed in tribulation. The triumph rests on a threefold confidence.We know the conclusion of evil. It is repeated in manifold ways in Daniel that evil that comes through inhuman kings – no matter how great and how long – will definitely come to an end: “he will be broken” (Dan 8:25), “he will be found no more” (Dan 11:19), “yet he will come to his end” (Dan 11:45) and “all these events will be completed” (Dan 12:7).We know God’s calling for us: To be a suffering people – to be captured, plundered, burned or killed (Dan 11:33). But in our suffering, we can be strong as “people who know their God” (Dan 11:32), knowing that God is purging and purifying us to become a sanctified (Dan 11:35; 12:10) and shining people who “shine brightly” with heavenly brightness in the hostile world (Dan 12:3). And we will be a steadfast people who “keep waiting and attain to the 1,335 days” (Dan 12:12) – until we become a sovereign people who “receive and possess the kingdom forever” from “the Ancient of Days” (vv.13-14, 18, 27).We know who is in control. The tribulations under the tyrants in Daniel 7 to 12 are all subject to and subsumed under “that which is decreed will be done” (Dan 11:36; 9:26, 27) “at the appointed time” (Dan 11:27, 29, 35).We conclude Daniel with this theological-discipleship summary statement: We can triumph in tribulations under tyrants when we trust with tenacity in the One who is on the throne.
Application:

How can I triumph in tribulations?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Church Board: To grow in the faith and perseverance of overcomers in Christ
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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