Ecclesiates 4:8 -Look Up To Be Filled Up
Step 1: Pray. Select.
Today, I did a bit of a deep dive into a few books within the Bible to confirm the right scripture the Holy Spirit wanted me to focus on. Overall, everywhere I was led to hit on the same theme in a few different ways, so I was sure of the topic the Holy Spirit wanted me to explore for the day.
I say this because some days, the LORD wants to show me things along the way, before I stop at the destination, to provide better clarity and knowledge upon arrival.
I read a few chapters of Proverbs, then Ecclesiastes, and then back to a few more chapters of Proverbs. Finally, I found my verse of the day: Ecclesiastes 4:8.
Let's begin our journey here, friends.
Step 2: Write. Read. Circle
Ecclesiastes 4:8 - There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, “For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?” This also is vanity and a grave misfortune.
After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:
One Alone
Has No End To All His Labors
And A Grave Misfortune
Step 3: Re-Write
With a focus on the words that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart. Don't forget, if you are doing this alongside me today, make sure to add your name to your unique sentence:
Jennifer, one alone, has no end to his labors and a grave misfortune.
Step 4: Visualize
As I thought further about the verse and my personalized sentence, I understood the importance of walking life out with others so we are not alone. There are a multitude of reasons why, but what the Holy Spirit is impressing upon me today is the level of companionship we need regularly. This goes for our primary family relationships, friendships, and church family. It is not enough to show up at the occasional event or gathering, smile, wave, and then quickly leave to go on our merry way. God wants us to go deeper in our relationships.
According to Jesus, the second most important commandment was, “Thou shall love Thy neighbor as thyself,” which follows the first commandment, “Love Thy God with all thy heart, and all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
If we can learn to love God with the level of companionship he wishes us to have with him, then he can return love as our closest companion. We can then emulate that in our relationships with those we care about, and our riches will be stored in the fruit of friendship and love.
If we are alone and have no relationships, we become a slave to worldly things, thinking those things will, in turn, provide the relationships or love we long for through the adoration of others, which couldn't be further from the truth. If we go this route, we will never walk in peace since we put our trust in worldly or material things before people. These things cannot reciprocate what we truly long for - love and companionship.
Today, invest in people and love according to Jesus’s commandments rather than focusing on the letter of the law. Love people, even though they are imperfect, and your investment will be paid with unsurpassed interest in joy and fulfillment in life.
Remember, friends, you cannot take material things with you when you leave this Earth and go to Heaven, but you can stand in front of the LORD and present the peace, joy, and love you stored up on Earth when you arrive, overflowing with grace and beauty at your next destination.
A question arises, so I move to Step 5.
Step 5: Ask. Seek
The question that came to mind is:
Holy Spirit, sometimes there doesn’t seem to be enough time or energy, given the busyness in life, to spend with friends. How can I protect and serve my friendships better today and in the future?
Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive
Here is the answer I received:
"As you love God, and God gives to you, you will be filled up to give to others. This, and this alone, is the greatest gift. The peace of knowing you are a constant, you have more than enough love and grace, and through your walk with the LORD, you can give more than you know and for them to receive. In turn, God will multiply your capacity with His goodness so that you will hunger no more. Loving Him seems like a simple request, but he understands this can be hard to do. Jesus knows it is hard or difficult, but he still pushes forward. You must do this to achieve what He asks of you and store your riches in Heaven.”
Step 7: Pray. Confirm
Heavenly Father, I come to you through my LORD and Savior Jesus.
I ask that you give me infinite energy to look up and love you, and in turn, you will return tenfold to fill me up.
I pray over the lies of isolation, disguising themselves as restorers when you, and only you, can restore what I am missing. I pray that I remain in fellowship and have more than enough capacity to keep pouring into and encouraging the people I love in my life.
Thank you for your wisdom and daily bread. I will obediently follow your lead and, in turn, believe in advance that you will provide a place to rest my head once the day is done. I look forward to the reward of pleasing you and hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I pray this in Jesus’ holy name - Amen!
If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.
Step 8: Share. Testify
If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.
Remember to spread hope and share your miracle or testimony HERE. We want to see how God is working in your life!
Conclusion:
Friends, today's timely message was to understand to go to the source for the love and energy I need to pour into others.
Let me not fall victim to the letter of the law, but let me adjust my perspective to be more spirit-filled than ever, live by Jesus' commandments, and chase after his heart.
Have a fantastic day, everyone! See you soon..
