My weariness is normal...and lifts my eyes

More encouragement from Ecclesiastes.  The verses I included in my previous post had one phrase that I did not mention, but which later brought me comfort:

All things are full of weariness;
a man cannot utter it;  (Ecc 1:8)

Later in the same chapter, we read this:

And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. (Ecc 1:13b-14)

I often get discouraged about how much apparently meaningless nonsense I have to spend my day dealing with.  There are two truths that encourage me about this at different times.  One truth is that God is sovereign over all that "nonsense" and is working every bit of it for my good (Roman 8). The other is the truth contained in this Ecclesiastes passage:  that the normal human experience involves being busy with unhappy business.   Marvelously, these two truths can work together to lift our eyes to heaven!   God is working in every detail of this world.  The world is full of unhappy striving. God is keeping me and moving me ever onward toward ever increasing joy in his glory in heaven!  

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved.  (Romans 8:19-24a)

Lord, help me hold on to a vision of heaven, as I muddle and groan in the world today.

Comments

[TonyP]

Thank you for your comments! I love the Calvin passage you linked to....especially the first sentence, "But let believers accustom themselves to a contempt of the present life than engenders no hatred of it or ingratitude against God." ....a contempt that engenders no hatred; I love it!

I also appreciated your "Reforming with Fire" blog and have added it to my feeds. I am sorry for the trials you are facing. I have prayed for you.

Tony

[phil2v13]

Very encouraging post!

This world is both a blessing and a curse. By the graces of God, we have been given several things which we can enjoy for the sake of His glory. Calvin wrote a good passage on this in ICR (http://cal.vini.st/2009/06/calvin-on-gratitude-for-earthly-life/ )

At the same time, as you said, all the difficulties and seeming vanities of life are to point us to our Father in heaven! Our restlessness and eagerness for what is to come is proof that we have been born again of the Spirit - so that we strive for the Kingdom to come, rather than making do with what is here.

Very helpful post - thank you!

Please check out my blog, if you feel so moved: http://phil2v13.wordpress.com

God bless!