Anchor Verse: Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
Most of us spend greater percentage of our lives working; whether in an office, hospital, classroom, or even from home. And yet, not everyone finds joy in it. Some endure work as a “necessary evil,” because bills need to be paid while others run endlessly after promotions, and some discover that even landing their “dream job” still leaves them unhappy and dissatisfied.
Quick question, Have you met anyone who said, “I love my job so much I’d do it for free without any compensation of any form”? (Exactly. We’re all still waiting to meet that person.)
King Solomon knew this tension. After tasting wealth, wisdom, and every achievement and lived life to the fullest on all scales; he concluded that true satisfaction in work doesn’t come from the toil itself, but from God, the Giver of joy.
Work is a gift and not a curse
Ecclesiastes 2:24 says, “A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil.”
In other words, work is not a curse, it’s a gift. From the very beginning, Adam was given work in Eden: to tend and keep the garden. Of course, Adam didn’t have to sit through endless meetings, reply-all email chains, being scrubbed in theatres for hours or juggle deadlines. But the principle still holds: our labour, however small or great, is part of God’s good design.
When we see work only as survival or status, frustration takes over. But when we see it as worship, even the dull tasks take on meaning. Yes- even filing that paperwork can be holy ground (though only God can make that feel true some days!).
God, the source of true satisfaction
Solomon continues in verse 25: “For without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?”
Here’s the heart of it: job satisfaction isn’t found in salaries, titles, or corner offices. You can sit in the CEO’s chair and feel empty, while the cleaner whistling hymns in the hallway radiates joy. Why? Because true satisfaction comes when God is in the centre of our work.
Coffee may keep us awake, but only God gives wisdom to make good decisions, knowledge to excel, and joy that no HR bonus scheme can provide.
Wasted years; futility of godless toil
Without God, work easily turns into endless striving. Solomon paints this picture in verse 26: the sinner gathers and stores up wealth, only for it to slip through their fingers, or end up benefiting someone else. Honestly, doesn’t that sound like tax season?
HMRC, we see you, and we acknowledge you. All that effort, only to see your “hard-earned” -extra hours, locums pay disappear. Solomon would say: that’s the hamster wheel of godless toil. But with God, even repetitive or hidden tasks carry eternal weight and reward. So next time you get that email from HMRC, smile Jesus is still on the throne.
Let’s live it out
So how do we find this God-given job satisfaction? By remembering Who we’re really working for. Colossians 3:23 reminds us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” That means integrity when no one’s watching, balance between work and rest (yes, Sabbath is still a thing-even if HR hasn’t signed off your annual leave, and you have plans to travel to Montenegro), and a daily prayer that says: “Lord, let my work today glorify You.”
And when the day gets long? Remember-coffee helps, but the joy of the Lord is stronger.
Conclusion
Job satisfaction isn’t about loving every task on your to-do list; it’s about loving the God who placed you where you are. When your work is anchored in Him, even the ordinary becomes extraordinary. You may not always have a heavenly job, but you can always do your job with heaven in mind.
