The Book of Ecclesiastes has grabbed my attention and I find myself back at the beginning wanting to read the words from Solomon a bit slower this time around. These words had me perplexed... "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." ~ Ecclesiastes 1:12
Everything is meaningless? Really?
I tried to wrap my mind around this thought as I read on and was surprised to discover it actually made sense. All these things we chase after really are meaningless. The years spent chasing after better or more thinking it would fill a void...meaningless.
"And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:14
I often wonder, why are we to fear a loving God? A closer look at the word fear, and guidance from a dear friend, helped me realize I was interpreting the word incorrectly. Joyce Meyer's Amplified Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:14, "I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. And God does it so that men will [reverently] fear Him [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is]." We stand in awe of, we honor and adore, knowing that He is.
There are times being new to my faith is frustrating because of what I do not know. Then there are those times I love this child-like faith of mine where everything is brand new. My heart dances as my love for Him grows.
Those days when I was chasing after better and more, I believed better or more would make what was ugly in our home beautiful. And I'm not only referring to the things in our home. Ugly was residing in our hearts too. I chased and I chased. It was all meaningless. As I (as we) began to have faith in someone greater and stopped chasing after the meaningless, beauty found its way in to our home and hearts.
"If we continue to believe God and place our trust in Him, bad things ultimately give way to better things." ~ Joyce Meyer
My husband asked me as we enjoyed an afternoon with our younger son while celebrating Mother's Day what my favorite memory of being a mom was. The first thought that came to my mind were words I read from Ecclesiastes 3:11.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11a
I witnessed God take a young, heart hardened child and fill him with a confidence he had previously never had. He marched forward on the day he graduated and became a sailor with hope in his eyes. The heart of our oldest son was softened and a new beauty radiated from him.
I hear or see the word beautiful and our youngest child comes to my mind. He recently shared with us that he has volunteered to go on a camping trip with the residents of the senior center he works at. As the residents waited one day for dinner to be served, our son pulled out his guitar and blessed them with music. God has done something remarkably beautiful with this young man.
Our home is now beautiful, not because of the things it contains, but because love is found there. God has filled the void that was in our hearts.
My favorite memory of being a mom...
The day I no longer believed the lie from the enemy that things will never change for our family — the day I believed in God and surrendered my family to Him.
God has a plan for everything He wants to do in your life. Instead of chasing after better or more, because it really is like chasing after wind, surrender to His perfect timing. He will make everything beautiful in its time.
"All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man." ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteSo thankful I linked up behind you at SDG because your testimony truly is beautiful and gives God the glory :)
Thank you, Dolly. All the glory goes to God.
DeleteBlessings to you.
What a beautiful testimony of how God honored you and your husband's faithfulness! I have always really loved that verse from Ecclesiastes -- it gives me hope on days when things look ugly in my world.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lyli. I have really enjoyed reading this book. It has blessed me in many ways.
DeleteAlways nice to connect with you here.
Blessings.
I love the way you continue to embrace mothering.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristin!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteStopping by from SDG. I love this line..."our home is beautiful, not because of the things there but because love is there." That is beautiful. You have summarized what I was thinking about our home. Thanks for the testimony that God can change things.
Kathleen, thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. He really does make everything beautiful! Blessings.
DeleteHi Beth, I loved this post. I also love reading His word and then re-reading it and finally understanding a statement, or point of scripture that before I just breezed over. Great encouragement to dip deeper.
ReplyDeletei would love for you to link this post on Winsome Wednesday bloghop so others can be encouraged by it too. http://www.mydailywalkinhisgrace.com/2013/05/winsome-wednesday-profound.html
God bless
Tracy
Thank you for stopping by Tracy and for your kind words. I've linked up for your Winsome Wednesday. Thank you for inviting me on over. I look forward to checking back in later today to see what others have shared. Many blessings.
DeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteFirst, thank you for your prayers! They are felt! Second, this post is beautiful - just what I needed to read this morning. Thank you for the reminder that God can make ALL things beautiful in His time! You are an inspiration! Love and ((hugs)), Bev
Thank you, Bev. I'm so grateful for our new friendship. Much love to you.
DeleteSuch a wonderful testimony to how God can work in our lives. Love this:
ReplyDelete"Our home is now beautiful, not because of the things it contains, but because love is found there." Amen.
Thank you for stopping by, Lisa.
DeleteYes, a beautiful testimony!!
ReplyDeleteI love how this verse says "has made" -- He has made everything beautiful in its time." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11a. A wonderful promise!
Thank you for sharing your journey with the Lord!
Thank you, Rebekah!
DeleteDo you have a "pin" button for your beautiful photo graphics? Gorgeousness!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I'm technology challenged but I will have to see if I can figure this "pin" button out. Thanks for stopping in. (((Hugs)))
DeleteWhat a beautiful picture you paint with your words! I, too, have young adult children. Isn't it marvelous when they are transformed? I have no doubt there will be younger moms who will draw hope from your words today!
ReplyDeleteIt is marvelous indeed! Thank you for stopping in, Kim. Seeing your profile picture always makes me smile...love your smile!
DeleteBlessings, Beth
Beth,
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful and I understand completely, being a Christian who has resently taken my walk with God to heart. But the beauty is that once I began my walk, I realize that I continue to learn every single day, of His deep, deep love, grace, mercy, forgiveness....Oh, it is endless! And you are right, beauty is found only in Him, His love. Thank you for the reminder.