For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. Ecclesiastes 2:26 WEB.In dog racing, they have a lure called a mechanical rabbit that runs along a rail beside the race track. At the start of the race, the dogs line up and then chase this rabbit around the circuit, but no one ever catches it. When the next race comes, the dogs line up again and chase the rabbit some more. If they were to ever catch up with it, they would find it wasn't nearly as satisfying as they thought, for it would just be a mouthful of hard plastic.
In the same way, many of us line up each day and chase an uncatchable rabbit. Success, money, and career are all well and fine, but they have to balance. God has given His people wisdom, knowledge, and joy. Not merely the struggle of gathering, collecting, and hoarding. If your main focus is on things, you will end up disappointed, even if you were to catch it.
There is a better way: First, delight yourself in the Lord, and then He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4). Seek the kingdom of God first, and His righteousness and all of these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). When He blesses you, you are really blessed!
So don't fall into the rut of chasing a mechanical rabbit day after day while running past the most significant things in your life, which are not things. When your focus is on the Lord, the things you desire will begin to chase you instead of you having to pursue them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to focus on You and grow my relationship. I choose You, Lord, draw my heart to You. Please work Your perfect will in my life and give me a clear vision of all You have for me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!:
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Yes Lord, amen and amen.
Amen
Amen
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Amen. Heavenly Father , i Thank You for all my Blessings. You take care of all I need. Amen
Amen
Help us Jesus to always stay focused on you. Amen
Yes Amen!
Amen, thank you Jesus
Yes, Father help me to focus on only you and trust in all your promises. Amen
Amen. Draw me closer to You Lord. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation and renew a right spirit in me.
I choose You, Lord! Amen.
Thank you Father for meeting all my needs
Amen , God bless everyone !
Thank you for the reminder of God's best gifts, Pastor Dion! Lord, work Your perfect will in my life. Thank you. Amen
BOY ! ISN'T THAT THE TRUTH ABOUT RUNNING AFTER THE MECHANICAL RABBIT ! WHEN I LOOK BACK ON MY LIFE, I SEE WHERE THE LORD GOD HAS ALWAYS GIVEN ME MORE THAN THE DESIRES OF MY HEART... I TRY MY BEST TO INVITE THE LORD IN EVERYTHING I'M DOING DURING MY DAYS...FIRST I THANK HIM.THEN WE HAVE COFFEE TOGETHER AND CONVERSATIONS, THAT LAY OUT MY DAY...AMAZING SOME OF THE THINGS HE BRINGS TO MY ATTENTION...PRAISE GOD FOR BEING A LOVING FATHER.
XO
SHARON
Amen!!
Amen Lord Jesus!
Amen!
Yes! I know the blessings the Lord gives me and I am forever thankful. I have dreams in my heart and I await for them to come true. All in Your time Lord and May your blessings continue to flow. I don't want to chase the rabbit!
Amen! I can attest that this is so true! When you make God your number one priority He gives you the desires of your heart and blesses you continually!!!