Dear Redeeming Grace,

In our study of Ecclesiastes last week, we read this wisdom from Solomon:

"The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind." (Eccl. 4:5-6 ESV)

Jason pointed out that in contrast to the extremes of laziness and workaholism, "a handful of quietness" refers to contentment with our lives and what God has given us to enjoy. And for each of us, that's different. The apostle Paul shows in Phil. 4:11-13 that contentment doesn't depend on the amount of what we have. He says he's learned to be content in both abundance and need.

What good news that contentment is possible regardless of our circumstances. We gain contentment when we recognize God's perfect goodness to us and express our gratefulness for his provision and care. He does a work in our hearts and strengthens us as we humbly submit ourselves to his wisdom for what's best for us.

And our ultimate satisfaction comes as we marvel at the mercy of God making us his own children. In the finished work of Christ we are his forever and truly have all we need for life and godliness.

May we make a daily habit of joyfully giving thanks for all we have. And as we do, I believe we'll find not only a handful of quietness, but a heart full of contentment in the love of God.