Why You’re Missing Joy | Ecclesiastes 5:18

Work hard. Provide. Hustle. Grind.

We hear it everywhere—this idea that life is all about striving for the next thing. The next job, the next promotion, the next milestone. And yet, Solomon—one of the wealthiest, most accomplished men in history—pauses and says:

Enjoy today.

Welcome to The Daily. We go through the bible verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, every single day.

Our text today is Ecclesiastes 5:18.

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. — Ecclesiastes 5:18

Solomon isn’t saying, Forget hard work—just sit back and relax. He’s saying that in the middle of our toil, there’s joy to be found. The mistake many of us make? We push joy off into the future.

“Once I reach this goal, then I’ll be happy.”
“Once I retire, then I’ll enjoy life.”
“Once the kids are grown, then I’ll slow down.”

But what if God’s design isn’t just about reaching a destination? What if joy is meant to be found in the journey?

Work is Good, But It’s Not Everything
God designed work—it’s part of our purpose. But when work becomes our identity, we miss the simple gifts He’s placed right in front of us.

✔ Eat and drink. Enjoy the meals God provides. Slow down. Savor them.
✔ Find joy in your labor. Your work, no matter how big or small, is a gift from God.
✔ Live in the present. Tomorrow isn’t promised, but today is here. Be fully in it.

This verse is a reminder that life is short. It’s a few days that God has given us. That means today is not just something to get through—it’s something to receive.

#LiveFully #WorkIsAGift #JoyInTheJourney

ASK THIS:
Are you always striving for what’s next, or do you take time to enjoy where you are?
How often do you pause to appreciate the simple gifts of food, family, and meaningful work?
What would change if you stopped waiting for joy and started embracing it today?
How can you shift your mindset to see your daily work as a gift rather than a burden?
DO THIS:
At your next meal, pause before eating. Thank God—not just for the food, but for the work that made it possible. Then, enjoy it fully, without distraction or rush.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, teach me to find joy in the life You’ve given me—not just in the big moments, but in the simple, everyday blessings. Help me to see my work as a gift and to be fully present in the time You have entrusted to me. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
What A Gift.