SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
Reading the Bible is a fantastic way to connect with God. However, it can be hard to know how to start reading the Bible. So, we put together some Scripture meditations to help you get started reading Scripture!
Why Do I Need to Work?
One of the (few?) comforts to be taken from Ecclesiastes is that people have complained about their jobs for thousands of years .
But, really, work can feel like meaningless stress. Especially for those of us who just need a job, any job, to pay the bills and keep food on the table. Enjoying work is a luxury that’s hard to imagine. And, even those of us blessed with “dream” jobs have parts of it that feel monotonous or frustrating.
Yet, for many of us, work’s where we spend a majority of our lives. So, the work of our hands matters, regardless of what it may be. The question becomes, what’re we working for? Many of our earthly motivations are fleeting and lead to more stress than they’re worth. Yet, work can shape us into the type of people who reflect Jesus better: peaceable, generous, kind, and humble.
Some seasons of stress or crummy jobs might be unavoidable. But, let’s cling to the values that really matter along the way as we pray God continues to shape us into people more like him. Often, who we’re becoming is more important than what we’re doing.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23
“22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.”
Observations from the Text
- Work can cause stress and anxiety (v. 22)
- Worry often interferes with rest (v. 23)
- Our energy can get drained by things that don’t last (v. 23)
Prayers of Response
Carpenter and King, bless the work of my hands, and help me see how it’s making me more like you.
Father, thank you for the opportunity to work with _______. Fill my heart with eternal things.
Prayer Requests
Lord of the field, I’m anxious and working so hard, give me a season of rest and abundance.
Jesus, __________ seems overwhelmed by responsibilities, provide them with tangible help and support.
Prayers of Readiness
God, I want to let go of the stress I’ve been carrying about _______ and trust you.
Good Shepherd, instead of trying to get _______ out of work, help me seek you
Reading the Bible through Scripture meditations can be an easy way of connecting with God each day. For more Scripture meditations, visit this page!
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™