Daily Devotionals

'Every Day Light' with Selwyn Hughes

Devotional: September 8th

For Reading and Meditation:
     Ecclesiastes 6:3-6

Obviously there are some advantages in having plenty of money. A wealthy man (a very wealthy man!) could afford to have a hundred children, says Solomon. With his money he could hire help to see to such everyday events as changing diapers and giving feedings. Those who love lots of children and could afford to look after a hundred might think that this is the solution to the deep inner frustration that exists in their souls. Wealth can sustain a big family, but there comes a moment when those who live only for the family realize this is not where real life is to be found. There is nothing wrong in enjoying one's family (indeed Scripture encourages it). However, even the most loving family is powerless to quench the ache that resides deep in the human psyche. As Solomon reflects on this he becomes cynical again, and says that it is better to be a stillborn child than to be caught up in the meaningless nonsense of trying to find life outside of God. Perhaps the guarantee of a longer life on earth might satisfy the soul. Not so, says Solomon. If life apart from God is marked by so much frustration, what benefit would a life of a thousand years twice over bring? In my experience, those who are honest enough to admit to this deep inner emptiness yearn for a shorter life rather than a longer one. In the end, to those who do not know God, it makes no difference whether they have been rich or poor.

O God, I see now why this book is designed to silence me. For nothing can satisfy my soul except You. I need to take this lesson on board, for I tend to rely more on the visible than the Invisible. Help me, dear Father. In Jesus' Name. Amen.