A Handful With Quietness

Most people long for a "wide place" (Psalm 31:8). They long for a little space without the frenetic activity and information overload that seems to pummel us from every side these days. A little recess from the terrible economic news that has bombarded us for months, as the situation in the financial sector seems to grow more complicated and more depressing with each passing day.

It all gets to be a little much. But, the more things change the more they seem to stay the same. These same kinds of problems have occurred before in recent history in this country and around the world. They have also occurred anciently in repeated cycles.

You see, while technology has changed dramatically and we have an ever-increasing array of gadgets with which we communicate and obtain and process information, basic human needs – physical, emotional and spiritual – have not changed one iota.

Solomon, son of King David of Israel wrote, probably about 935bc, "That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, 'See, this is new'? It has already been in ancient times before us" (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10).

Political turmoil is not new, and will not subside in this age. In fact, it may even get worse with increasing partisanship and nationalism. As people around the world seek refuge in the familiar, many will return to their traditional religions and to an attitude of tribalism. None of these trends seem to offer any real hope for a lessening of stress or any sense of security and stability, which most people desire more than anything.

Like the line from the country song: "Looking for love in all the wrong places," most people are looking for happiness, fulfillment and peace of mind in all the wrong places. They won't find what they are looking for in political promises, regardless of who wins the elections. They won't find it in acquiring material "stuff" or in physical activities, no matter how enjoyable they are for the moment. As humans, we can be physically full, but spiritually empty, resulting in frustration and unhappiness.

Solomon also wrote, in his wisdom, "Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind" (Ecclesiastes 4:6).

Peace of mind can be had, however, if one knows where to find it and has the will to do the things necessary to obtain it. The Apostle Paul, an incredibly wise and prolific writer, put it this way: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:6-9).

Our Work at Tomorrow's World provides answers based on Biblical principles that apply to today's troubled world. For example, I recommend our booklet What is A True Christian? which you can find at https://www.tomorrowsworld.org.

Check it out and you just might find your "handful with quietness…"