Joel M Bradshaw

6Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.–Ecclesiastes 4

The word for quietness is linked to both peace and rest. This tells us that there is a peace and quiet that doesn’t really bring rest. Some pursue peace and simply escape their issue or never deal with their problem in the first place. This kind of peace doesn’t truly bring rest. Rest comes when a matter is truly dealt with, a conversation had, bravely facing your situation.

This is all better than busyness and activity that looks like you are accomplishing something, but has no true significance. There are things that we often run after that don’t bring us rest. They simply make our anxieties or fears worse.

So what is in your hands? Solomon’s point here is that one hand full of the right thing is better than two hands full of the wrong thing. What do you pursue? Have you faced yourself and your issues and hypocrises? Are you intentional about the right things in your life? Do you pursue a biblical peace with another based upon honesty and forgiveness? True rest comes from following Jesus (Matthew 11:28). So do you?

I invite you to consider your hands this morning as I ponder mine.–JMB