The Way to True HappinessSample

Happiness depends on the Lord

The prevailing belief in society is that you will gain happiness by your achievements and success in life: a career, possessions, power, fame, or dedicating your life selflessly to serving others. The author of Ecclesiastes does not believe that we will find happiness by such means. No matter how highly we value a goal, it can never satisfy our soul's deepest longing. The author tells us that people do not have the power to enjoy the results of their efforts. Only God can grant them this. "For apart from Him who can eat or have enjoyment?" (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 ESV).

As humans we totally depend on our Creator. No one is capable of doing anything apart from God. There is no enjoyment unless God grants it, and that applies to everyone equally. "For to the one who pleases Him, God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy; but to the sinner, He has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to the one who pleases God" (Ecclesiastes 2:26 ESV). We are reminded of our utter dependency on the Lord and His sovereignty. He chooses and acts in accordance with His will and distributes His gifts as He pleases. How do we see this in our lives? You may enjoy success and your achievements may seem like your own accomplishments, but the truth is that everything comes from the Lord. He is the one who gives you the wisdom, the knowledge and the joy. It is also possible that what you have gained will be given to others. Whether you are able to enjoy the results of your efforts or not is determined by the Lord. Your happiness depends on Him!