True Satisfaction in God

Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man, and full of years.

Genesis 25 verse 8

Welcome to today's encouragement from our daily bread.

True satisfaction in God was written by Catera Patton and read by Tony Collier.

Genesis 25 verses 7 through 11

Abraham lived 175 years, then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and he was gathered to his people.

His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Macpila near Mamri.

In the field of Ephraim's son of Zohar the Hittite, the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites.

There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah.

After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roy.

True satisfaction in God, written by Catera Patton.

30 years ago, I participated in an activity at an unemployment workshop that I still remember today.

My fellow laid off coworkers and I were asked to write our retirement speeches.

Huh? We were looking for work and far from retirement age, but the facilitator revealed the purpose of the activity by saying,

Your speech will probably have little to do with your work.

She explained to us that a job really isn't the center of our lives, and while we may be grieving the loss of a job, our lives mean much more than being employed.

The details about the end of Abraham's life remind me of this lesson.

He died at a ripe old age and had lived a long and satisfying life.

Throughout scripture, we read about Abraham's faithfulness and following God's instructions, but we don't read much about his work.

The faith the patriarch displayed reminds me of the teacher's conclusion in Ecclesiastes 2.

To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness.

The teacher said this after considering the meaning of life and how one can find enjoyment in the midst of work or toil.

Even during times of loss and anxiety brought by unemployment, it's helpful to reflect on Abraham's example and the teacher's words, pointing us to true satisfaction, found only in God.

Let's pray.

Faithful God reminds us that our worth isn't found in our work, but in you.

In times of uncertainty, help us rest in your wisdom, trust your provision, and find our deepest satisfaction in your presence.

Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

As you go about your day, reflect on these questions.

What do you believe you'll be known for?

How does focusing on your legacy help you live today?

Thank you, Lord.