Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning. When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days. Everything still to come is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 11:7–8)

A catechism in the Presbyterian Church begins with the question, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer to that question is familiar to many: “The chief end of man is to love God and enjoy Him forever.” Not just serve Him, not just obey Him, not just sacrifice to Him, not simply commit ourselves to Him, but enjoy Him—“laugh through life with Him.” Smile in His presence. So much more is included in serving Him forever than most would ever believe. I don’t know if the Scottish Presbyterian divines back in the seventeenth century derived their answer from Solomon’s journal, but they certainly could have! The wise monarch, as we shall see, realized the value of enjoying life to the fullest. Let’s take a look at what he has to say about it.

The first thing I notice is that we are given permission to enjoy life. He says: “The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun” (Ecclesiastes 11:7 NASB). Now, remember that this is picturesque, symbolic Hebrew. It is inspired poetry, not meant to be taken literally. The reader is expected to feel the romance, the rhythmic beauty, and the colour of the wise man’s counsel.

Frequently through the Scriptures, references to light and sunshine are used to describe the warmth of God’s love. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?” asked the psalmist (Psalm 27:1 NASB). When we are enveloped in the warmth of our Father’s love, we fear no one. It gives us a sense of warm security to be under His wings, surrounded by His care. That’s the idea.

The light of God’s ever-present, always-comforting love is pleasant. And it’s good for our eyes to focus on the warmth and protection of the hand of God wrapped around our lives and to know that He is pleased with us and that He gives us permission to enjoy ourselves. When we focus on Him, He lifts the gloom and begins to lift the stinging pain of depression.

Solomon continues: “Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all” (Ecclesiastes 11:8 NASB 1995).

I love that! Happiness is to pervade all the years of our lives. We don’t have to wait until we reach some magical age when we are allowed to crack open the door and slip silently into the realm of happiness. It’s there for us to enjoy throughout our days.

Taken from Living on the Ragged Edge by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1985, 2004 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com